Former jockey Chantal Sutherland Kruse will join TVG, America’s Horseracing Network, for its coverage of Big Cap Day on March 2.  In 2011 became the first female jockey to win the Santa Anita Handicap when she piloted Game on Dude to victory.

Chantal, who retired from riding last October, will join Greg Wolf, Todd Schrupp, Simon Bray and Matt Carothers as part of the team that will provide ramped up coverage of the proceedings.

Because of the historical nature of her Big Cap victory, Chantal will forever be linked with the event and Game on Dude, an expected starter and likely favorite in this year’s race.

“We are very excited to have Chantal join our Big Cap coverage team,” said Kevin
“I’m excited to be working with TVG and their fantastic production team,” said Chantal.

Chantal, who has served as a TVG promotional spokesperson, appeared in the HBO
drama, “Luck,” and the Animal Planet reality series, “Jockeys.” While riding, she launched a modeling career, highlighted by a provocative Vanity Fair photo spread photographed by Bo Derek.  In Canada, Chantal was Mine That Bird’s 2008 regular rider before he was sold. She missed the ride on the 2009 Kentucky Derby winner when the owners could not agree.  Kentucky Derby Tours members would have loved to see a female jockey win the Kentucky Derby

TVG’s Big Cap Day coverage begins at Noon PT with Santa Anita’s first race, highlighted by the Grade I, $750,000 Santa Anita Handicap. Also on the impressive card is a pair of Grade I contests, the $300,000 Kilroe Mile and the $250,000 Las Virgenes Stakes. For its coverage, TVG will utilize enhanced virtual graphics and offer features focusing on several prominent runners.

The Big Cap is shaping up as a “West vs. East” duel between California-based Game on Dude, coming off a win in the San Antonio Handicap, and last year’s race winner Ron the Greek, who captured the Sunshine Millions Classic at Florida’s Gulfstream Park in his last outing.

TVG customers can double their win bet odds on the big race thanks to the “Big Cap Big Bonus.” Odds will be doubled if the win bet selection triumphs by four or more lengths. TVG customers can register for the “Big Cap Big Bonus” starting Wednesday on a special page on www.TVG.com. The first win bet placed (up to $25) is eligible for the bonus ($750 maximum) if the horse selected wins by four lengths or more per a TVG press release.