ESPN Radio will present live coverage of the Belmont Stakes for the first time Saturday, June 7 at 5 p.m., when all ears will be pointed toward Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. where Big Brown will attempt to become racing’s 12th Triple Crown winner and the first in 30 years.
"It is a privilege for ESPN Radio to bring the Belmont Stakes to fans everywhere, especially this year when our listeners can hear Big Brown’s potentially historic run for the third jewel of the Triple Crown,” said Traug Keller, senior vice president, production, business divisions. “This also provides our affiliates another way to show they are the source in their markets for so many of sports’ most important events. Whether it’s satellite, terrestrial or through the web, ESPN Radio will be there, providing horse racing fans everywhere a great listen.”
Dave Johnson, who has described the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes for network television and national radio, will serve as host of the two-hour broadcast with analyst Bill Finley, an award-winning racing writer whose work has appeared in the New York Times, USA Today and Sports Illustrated.
Bob Valvano and Ron Flatter will report from the Paddock and Winners Circle, reprising their roles on ESPN Radio’s Kentucky Derby coverage the past two years, while Jody McDonald of New York’s 1050 ESPN Radio will serve as race handicapper for the 140th running of the Grade 1, $1 million Belmont Stakes.
ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike in the Morning (6-10 a.m. ET) will originate from Belmont part in Elmont, N.Y. Friday, June 6, when co-hosts Mikes Golic and Greenberg will broadcast their show on the eve of the Belmont Stakes.
