Parimutuels

NBC keeps Derby, Preakness rights

By wire services
Published May 4, 2005

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The first two legs of the Triple Crown - the Kentucky Derby and Preakness - will remain on NBC through 2010.

A five-year deal among the network, Churchill Downs and Magna Entertainment Corp./Maryland Jockey Club was announced Tuesday after speculation that the Preakness would end up on ESPN. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Joe De Francis, president and CEO of the Maryland Jockey Club, said that ESPN made a "very attractive proposal," but that the Preakness was better served by remaining on NBC with the Kentucky Derby.

"All alone," the trainer said. "I'll be sitting by myself."

Trainers of horses in the Derby usually watch the race with owners of horses in the Derby, but Zito has five horses, all with different owners. He has the favorite, Bellamy Road, owned by George Steinbrenner, and four other contenders, with some very rich bosses. The standard seating arrangement just isn't practical.

With so much focus on his horses - High Fly, Noble Causeway, Sun King and Andromeda's Hero are the others - Zito erected a plastic fence in front of Barn 36 at Churchill Downs. It was immediately dubbed the Great Wall of Zito.

Now 62, Cordero is enjoying the view as an exercise rider for trainer Todd Pletcher.

Cordero won the Derby three times: in 1974 aboard Cannonade, in 1976 with Bold Forbes and in 1985 aboard Spend a Buck. He lacerated his liver in a spill in 1987 and had his spleen removed in 1990. Cordero retired in 1991 with more than 7,000 victories. His weakened immune system often made him ill and doctors finally suggested that returning to the saddle might be good therapy.

LAST LAP?: Jerry Bailey is close to crossing the finish line for the final time in his Hall of Fame career. The 47-year-old jockey will ride in his 17th, and possibly last Derby.

Bailey will be aboard Florida Derby winner High Fly, one of Zito's five entrants. Bailey last rode in the Derby two years ago, finishing second aboard Empire Maker.

CRACKDOWN: The 20 horses expected to start will be scrutinized for illegal substances as much if not more so than their human counterparts in other sports. All horses will undergo pre-race blood tests for alkalizing agents called "milkshakes" that help alleviate fatigue, and then a "super test" to screen post-race urine samples, which can detect about 140 different drugs.

AND THEY'RE OFF: Forever Brilliant beat Flying Glitter by 11/2 lengths in the $43,360 allowance for 3-year-old fillies at Churchill Downs. The daughter of Straight Man ridden by Bailey, covered 7 furlongs on a fast track in 1:23.79 and paid $5.80, $4.40 and $3.20.

[Last modified May 4, 2005, 00:58:13]