by Moira Fanning

NBC, whose sports division was recognized this year with nine Emmy Awards, the most of any network, will provide high-definition live coverage of this year’s Hambletonian at the Meadowlands Saturday afternoon, Aug. 7.

The Hambletonian is the only harness racing event broadcast on network television and will air on NBC for a fourth consecutive year, following a 13-year run on CBS. The hour-long show will run from 3:00-4:00 p.m., and also include live coverage of the Hambletonian Oaks.

The NBC team of hosts Tom Hammond and Gary Seibel will anchor the broadcast. Joining them for the third consecutive year will be Kenny Rice, who is familiar to harness racing fans as a former host of the Breeders Crown Championship series.

Also on the broadcast again to serve as analyst and provide a closer look at the competitors from horseback is jockey and horsewoman Donna Brothers. Meadowlands announcer Ken Warkentin will also provide his racing expertise and race call.

Rob Hyland, an ’09 Eclipse-award winner for his documentary on Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, will produce his first harness race broadcast for NBC. Hyland began work at NBC Sports in 1997. In addition to horse racing, he’s worked the Olympics, NFL games and pro golf tournaments.

“Horse racing is something I care a lot about,” Hyland said. “Besides the Super Bowl, it’s my favorite event.”

The NBC contract has been extended through 2011, according to broadcast partners Meadowlands Racetrack and the Hambletonian Society, who share the expense of the telecast.