Vets return to TV coverage

The "On Call" program, sponsored by the American Association of Equine Practitioners to provide veterinary information to live coverage of Thoroughbred races, was to begin its 15th year with Saturday's ABC broadcast of the Fountain of Youth and Swale Stakes from Gulfstream Park and the Santa Catalina Stakes from Santa Anita.

Dr. Ben Franklin Jr. will be at Gulfstream Park and Dr. Rick Arthur at Santa Anita to inform broadcast and print media about crisis situations and answer questions about the health of the horses involved.

In other broadcasts this month, part of the "Racing to the Kentucky Derby" series sponsored by Citgo, Dr. Gary Norwood will be at at Fair Grounds for ESPN2's coverage of the March 12 Louisiana Derby, and Dr. Scott Hopper will be at Turfway Park on March 26 as adviser to the ESPN broadcast of the Lane's End Stakes and Rushaway.