Even though this sucks, it really isn't that hard to understand. ABC knows the majority of its viewers don't care about the Manhattan. And in reality, I can see hoards of people flipping over to ABC and stupidly thinking the Manhattan is the Belmont, and then changing the channel. ABC would rather show stories about Desormeaux, Dutrow, UPS, and Eight Belles than a grass race that probably 90% of viewers don't care about.
Plus, ABC doesn't want to have their audience divided between two networks by allowing ESPN to stay on the air while the main broadcast on ABC is taking place.
I bet the Stephens will be shown live before ESPN goes off the air.
Plus, this happens every year.
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