May 17, 2012

Preakness Viewership on NBC Up

May 24, 2011 By 1 Comment

8.8 Million Watch Preakness Race, Up 5% From 2010; Second Most in 5 Years

“…Good television is good television, and NBC’s coverage of horse racing is the definition of good television.”

– St. Petersburg Times, 5-23-11

 

NEW YORK – May 24, 2011 – The NBC Sports broadcast of the Preakness Stakes, in which Shackleford held off Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom by ½ length, drew 8.8 million viewers, a gain of five percent over last year’s race and the second most-watched Preakness in five years, according to official national data provided today by The Nielsen Company.

  • The race portion of the Preakness (5:56-6:41 p.m. ET) drew 8.8 million viewers, five percent more than last year’s race (8.4 million) and the second most-watched Preakness race in five years, topped only by the much-hyped boys vs. girls showdown in 2009 when filly Rachel Alexandra – with jockey Calvin Borel – beat Mine That Bird, which Borel rode to victory in the Kentucky Derby.
  • The national rating for Saturday’s race portion was a 5.6 with a 13 share, up six percent from last year’s 5.3/13 and the second highest in five years.
  • NBC Sports coverage of this year’s Preakness reached more than three million more viewers than the last Preakness broadcast by ABC in 2000 (8.8 million vs. 5.5 million, up 60 percent).

PREAKNESS A RATINGS SUCCESS ON NBC: Since NBC Sports began broadcasting the Preakness in 2001, every Preakness telecast on NBC over that period attracted more viewers than any Preakness telecast on ABC in the previous seven years. Viewership for the Preakness is up an average of 63% in the 11 years on NBC compared to the previous eight years on ABC.

PREAKNESS ON NBC (2001-2011)

Year Viewers

2011 8.8 million
2010 8.4 million
2009 10.9 million
2008 7.9 million
2007 8.4 million
2006 10.1 million
2005 9.3 million
2004 11.6 million
2003 8.6 million
2002 9.2 million
2001 8.7 million

PREAKNESS ON ABC (1993-2000)

Year Viewers

2000 5.5 million
1999 4.9 million
1998 5.2 million
1997 6.9 million
1996 5.1 million
1995 4.7 million
1994 6.5 million
1993 7.0 million

HEAR LARRY COLLMUS CALL SHACKLEFORD’S WIN:

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/22825103/vp/24467851 – 43122835

THE CRITICS SPEAK:

“Broadcasting two hours of pregame seems a bit much for a two-minute horse race, unless you’re talking about NBC’s coverage of Saturday’s Preakness. The network has this horse racing thing down pat…The two hours fly by, and the coverage is so good that it’s almost a little disappointing that it has to end when the race arrives… All in all, it was an outstanding two hours of coverage. And this praise comes from someone who is not even a horse racing fan. But good television is good television, and NBC’s coverage of horse racing is the definition of good television.” – St. Petersburg Times, 5-23-11

“Bob Costas’ pre-Preakness interview with Animal Kingdom’s manager, part-owner, straight-talking spokesman, Barry Irwin, Saturday on NBC, would make a strong case study for pure professionalism and its rewards. Irwin, after his horse won the Kentucky Derby, essentially accused the thoroughbred industry of being loaded with liars and assorted bad guys. Saturday, without apologizing, Costas asked good, tough questions, and Irwin returned them with good, firm answers.” – NY Post, 5-23-11

BELMONT STAKES NEXT: NBC Sports Group presents 6½ hours of coverage of the 143rd Belmont Stakes beginning Friday, June 10 as Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom and Preakness Stakes winner Shackleford could face each other.

BELMONT STAKES COVERAGE ON NBC

Fri. June 10, Belmont Classics, 4-5 p.m., VERSUS
Fri. June 10, Live from Belmont, 5-6 p.m., VERSUS
Sat. June 11, Live from Belmont, 3-5 p.m., VERSUS
Sat. June 11, Belmont Stakes, 5-7 p.m., NBC
Sat. June 11, Belmont Wrap-up, 7-7:30 p.m., VERSUS

NBC SPORTS AND HORSE RACING: The NBC Sports Group is now the exclusive home to Horse Racing’s Triple Crown. This marks the first time that all three races will be on one network since NBC last aired the Triple Crown in 2005. NBC has been the exclusive home of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes since 2001.

- NBC SPORTS GROUP -

Filed Under: Horse Racing, NBC, Ratings

NBC Sports Group Presents 6½ Hours Of Preakness Stakes Coverage

May 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Coverage From Pimlico Begins Tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET on VERSUS and Culminates with the 136th Preakness Stakes on NBC on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET

Kentucky Derby Winner Animal Kingdom Headlines Field in Middle Jewel of Horse Racing’s Triple Crown

NBC Sports Group’s Triple Crown Coverage Continues with the Belmont Stakes June 11

“I think he will win here. He’s the best horse and I think he’s in a good spot.” – NBC Sports’ Mike Battaglia on Animal Kingdom

“Absolutely. Totally.” – NBC Sports’ Neumeier on if Animal Kingdom can challenge for the Triple Crown

 

NEW YORK – May 19, 2011 – Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom leads the field as the NBC Sports Group presents 6½ hours of coverage of the 136th running of the Preakness Stakes, the middle jewel of the Triple Crown from Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Md., beginning tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET on VERSUS and culminating with the Preakness Stakes Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

With a win Saturday at the Preakness, Animal Kingdom will head to the Belmont in hopes of becoming the first to win the Triple Crown since Affirmed, with jockey Steve Cauthen, in 1978. NBC Sports Group coverage of the Belmont Stakes begins Friday, June 10.

COMMENTATORS: NBC Sports coverage of the 136th Preakness Stakes is co-hosted by Bob Costas and Tom Hammond alongside two-time Preakness winner Gary Stevens. NBC Sports’ broadcast team also includes race-caller and Baltimore native Larry Collmus; contributing analysts/handicappers Mike Battaglia and Bob Neumeier; reporter Kenny Rice and on-track reporter Donna Brothers.

Added for this year’s expanded coverage are Laffit Pincay, III, son of Hall-of-Fame jockey Laffit Pincay, Jr., to host the coverage on VERSUS; veteran horse racing analyst Randy Moss; and the Daily Racing Form’s Jay Privman.

FEATURES AND STORYLINES: The features NBC Sports Group is preparing for its Preakness coverage include:

  • A look at Animal Kingdom trainer Graham Motion.
  • Bob Costas live interview with Animal Kingdom owner Barry Irwin.
  • Norman Asbjornson trainer Chris Grove, a trainer with Maryland roots and a touching family story. His father, a former jockey, is the Maryland state racing steward and his 12-year old Noah son lost his leg to bone cancer at age four.
  • Dialed In – with a win in the Preakness, the horse will earn the biggest payday in North American racing history ($6.1 million).
  • Jockey Robby Alborado and his difficult Derby week.

PRODUCTION TEAM: The coverage of the Preakness Stakes will be produced by Fred Gaudelli and directed by Drew Esocoff, NBC Sports’ Emmy Award-winning “Sunday Night Football” production team. The VERSUS coverage will be produced by Rob Hyland, who has worked on the network’s horse racing coverage since 2001 and also produces NBC Sports’ Notre Dame Football, and directed by “NHL on NBC” director Jeff Simon. The executive producer of NBC Sports and VERSUS is Sam Flood who has produced 11 Triple Crown races for the network.

PREAKNESS STAKES ON THE NBC SPORTS GROUP

Tomorrow, Preakness Classics, 3-4 p.m., VERSUS

Tomorrow, Black Eyed Susan Stakes, 4-5 p.m., VERSUS

  • Will also air the Ms. Preakness Pink Warrior

Saturday, Live from Pimlico, 2:30-4:30 p.m., VERSUS

  • Including races 8, 9, 10 LIVE

Sat. May 21, Preakness Stakes, 4:30-6:30 p.m., NBC

Sat. May 21, Preakness Wrap-up, 6:30-7 p.m., VERSUS

THE HANDICAPPERS

NBC Sports handicappers Neumeier and Battaglia, who correctly picked Animal Kingdom to win the Kentucky Derby, provided their thoughts on the Preakness in separate interviews and surprisingly came to similar conclusions about the race. Their answers are below:

THE PREAKNESS ACCORDING TO NEUMEIER: “Animal Kingdom should be the favorite based on a sensational performance in the Kentucky Derby, and the only real question about him is, can he bounce back with a short 14 day period? I think that his job will be easier than the Derby because the field is smaller, and because there’s more front speed to line up for him to shoot at. The addition of Flashpoint, who’s a front-runner, and Dance City, along with Shackleford, will ensure a rapid pace that should be favorable to Animal Kingdom’s running style.

THE PREAKNESS ACCORDING BATTAGLIA: “I think there’s actually more speed, more early speed, in the Preakness than the Derby because of Flashpoint. It looks to me like Flashpoint, going from the three hole, will have to go in the front and Shackleford, who made the pace in the Derby, he’s going to try to probably start out second or third in this one instead of going out and running and getting ahead. The race sets up great for another late run by Animal Kingdom. He was so impressive in the Derby that I think it comes down to, ‘will he handle the track here at Pimlico?’ If he does, I think he ought to win. “

BATTAGLIA ON ANIMAL KINGDOM’S AT THE PREAKNESS: “I think he will win here. He’s the best horse and I think he’s in a good spot.

NEUMEIER ON WHO CAN CHALLENGE ANIMAL KINGDOM: “There are a number of other newcomers that should be respected. First and foremost, I think Sway Away, who comes out of the Arkansas Derby and that has proven to be one of the best preps, is going to be in a mid-pack position. The question is, can he finish strongly? Mucho Macho Man, great story in the Derby and ran very, very well and he would be my second choice. Our reports are that the horse looks great. Dialed In ran a decent final 1/8 and will benefit from the pace that appears to be very hot in the race. I would say it’s Animal Kingdom’s race to lose and my next two would be Sway Way and/or Mucho Macho Man.”

BATTAGLIA ON WHO CAN CHALLENGE ANIMAL KINGDOM: “It’s hard to leave Dialed In out. Even though he didn’t hit the bullet in the Derby, I think that he can bounce back. I like the Derby horses. I like Mucho Macho Man and Shackleford and I think those are the ones that I’m kind of going to key in on. Maybe Dance City for the one new shooter, but the horses coming out of the Derby, I think will run well again.”

BATTAGLIA ON DANCE CITY: “He comes out of the Arkansas Derby and Nehro only beat him a length and a half. He was reluctant at the gate that day and was causing all kinds of problems at the gate and got into a little bit of trouble. He doesn’t need to be in front; although he is a speed horse, but you always have to respect Pletcher when he brings one of these horses in and of the new shooters I think he’s probably the best new shooter to run well.”

CAN ANIMAL KINGDOM WIN THE TRIPLE CROWN?

BATTAGLIA: “You never know about that mile-and-a-half and coming back. That’s a tough thing to do to come back with the third leg of the Triple Crown. Belmont Park is a completely different type of track. They call it big sandy for a reason and we’ve seen a lot of Triple Crown hopes dashed there, so it’s definitely not going to be an easy task for him to win the Triple Crown. I definitely think he’s got a shot because I think he’s going to win this week and we just have to see how he comes up to Belmont, but I definitely think he’s got a shot.”

NEUMEIER: “Absolutely. Totally. His race in the Derby was sensational. Every speed figure measurer gave that a very strong number. We’ll see what the Preakness number is if he wins there. Should Animal Kingdom win the Preakness then you have a situation where he’s running for history and it would be an amazing story and he would be a major threat for a Triple Crown.”

NEUMEIER ON ANIMAL KINGDOM SHIPPING TO PIMLICO ON SATURDAY MORNING: “This is Graham Motion’s home. He trains about an hour from Pimlico. At the Preakness, all of the Stakes horses are in that one barn, so there’s a lot of commotion in that one barn, trainers, owners, press who are working at that barn so there’s a tremendous amount of attention that’s focused on that one area which the Stakes barn area at the Preakness. Had Motion come in here with Animal Kingdom Tuesday or Wednesday there’d be fuss, attention and distractions maybe for him and the horse. Hopefully he won’t get a flat tire and there will be little traffic.”

BATTAGLIA ON ANIMAL KINGDOM SHIPPING TO PIMLICO ON SATURDAY MORNING: “I think Graham Motion really knows what he’s doing. He’s keeping him comfortable. Of course we’d like to see him in that number one stall, but I think Graham is doing the right thing and you can’t fault him for that at all. He’s going to ship him the day of the race and horses do that all the time. It’s not big deal at all and I think he’s doing the right thing there.”

PREAKNESS A RATINGS SUCCESS ON NBC:

Since NBC Sports began broadcasting the Preakness in 2001, every Preakness telecast on NBC over that period attracted more viewers than any Preakness telecast on ABC in the previous seven years. Viewership for the Preakness is up an average of 69% in the 10 years on NBC compared to the previous seven years on ABC.

Link to the past 10 years of the Preakness Stakes on NBC Sports: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/22825103/vp/24467851#24467851

PREAKNESS ON NBC (2001-2010)

Year Viewers

2010 8.4 million
2009 10.9 million
2008 7.9 million
2007 8.4 million
2006 10.1 million
2005 9.3 million
2004 11.6 million
2003 8.6 million
2002 9.2 million
2001 8.7 million

PREAKNESS ON ABC (1993-2000)

Year Viewers

2000 5.5 million
1999 4.9 million
1998 5.2 million
1997 6.9 million
1996 5.1 million
1995 4.7 million
1994 6.5 million
1993 7.0 million

14.5 MILLION WATCH KENTUCKY DERBY: NBC Sports’ coverage of Saturday’s Kentucky Derby drew 14.54 million viewers, the fourth most-watched Kentucky Derby in 21 years. Since implementing NBC’s Big Event Strategy, the last three Kentucky Derby races have recorded at least 14.5 million viewers including last year’s Derby, which was the most-watched for the event in 22 years.

NBC Sports coverage of the Kentucky Derby over the last 11 years averages more than 2½ million more viewers than the previous 11 Kentucky Derby broadcasts on ABC (14.1 million vs.11.5 million, up 23 percent).

Link to NBC Sports’ coverage of the Kentucky Derby and hear Larry Collmus call the race: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/22825103/vp/42944611#42944611

STREAM THE PREAKNESS LIVE ON NBCSPORTS.COM: NBCSports.com for the first time ever will provide live streaming of the Preakness Stakes. In addition to hearing Larry Collmus’ race call live, users can choose to watch Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom on an isolated camera.

“HEALTHY WEEK” ON NBCUNIVERSAL: NBC Sports kicks off NBCUniversal’s second annual “Healthy Week” this weekend during NBC Sports’ broadcast of the Preakness Stakes. The “Healthy” feature will profile how jockeys stay fit and in shape for their sport.

As part of its company-wide health initiative, “Healthy at NBCU,” designed to inform and activate audiences around health and wellness. “Healthy Week” leverages the breadth of trusted names and brands across the NBCUniversal portfolio to provide consumers with today’s most pressing health-related news, and encourage them to adopt healthier habits in their daily routine.

Filed Under: Horse Racing, NBC

NBC Sports Group Presents “Summer At Saratoga” Series

May 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

8 Hours of LIVE Coverage Over 7 Weekends from Saratoga Begins July 23 on NBC

VERSUS Presents 5 Hour-Long Shows; NBC to Broadcast 3 Shows Including Famed Travers Stakes on August 27

 

NEW YORK – May 12, 2011 – The New York Racing Association (NYRA) and the NBC Sports Group today announced a partnership to broadcast “Summer at Saratoga,” live racing from Saratoga Springs, N.Y., over seven weekends this summer beginning on July 23 and including the famed $1 million Travers Stakes on August 27. The announcement was made by C. Steven Duncker, NYRA Chairman and Jon Miller, President, Programming, NBC Sports and VERSUS. This agreement marks the most extensive live national television coverage of racing from Saratoga Race Course.

“This is a unique opportunity to expand our coverage of thoroughbred racing with these great races from Saratoga, a truly iconic venue,” said Miller. “This partnership with NYRA cements the NBC Sports Group’s commitment to the sport which already includes long-term deals for the Triple Crown with Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby, in addition to the Preakness and Belmont.”

“We are elated to partner with the NBC Sports Group for this landmark agreement,” said Duncker. “Year after year, Saratoga Race Course is synonymous with the best thoroughbred racing in the country, and the NBC Sports Group is the perfect family of networks to bring this experience to a national audience. By first uniting the Triple Crown races, and now covering the Saratoga meet in a manner never done before, NBC has demonstrated an incredible commitment to thoroughbred racing and we are proud to be a part of their team.”

NBC SPORTS GROUP SUMMER AT SARATOGA COVERAGE (All Times ET)

July 23, Coaching Club American Oaks, 5-6 p.m., NBC
July 30, Diana, 5-6 p.m., VERSUS
Aug. 6, Whitney, 5-6 p.m., VERSUS
Aug. 7, Vanderbilt, 5-6 p.m., VERSUS
Aug. 13, Sword Dancer, 5-6 p.m., VERSUS
Aug. 20, Alabama, 5-6 p.m., NBC
Aug. 27, Travers, 5-6 p.m., NBC
Sept. 3, Woodward, 5-6 p.m., VERSUS

Saratoga Race Course was named one of the world’s greatest sporting venues by Sports Illustrated. From late July through Labor Day, many of the sport’s top owners, trainers, jockeys, and horses gather in Saratoga Springs for the premier thoroughbred racing meet in the country. First held in 1863, the Saratoga meet now draws more than 20,000 passionate racing fans to the track on a daily basis.

NBC SPORTS AND HORSE RACING: The NBC Sports Group is the exclusive home to Horse Racing’s Triple Crown. This marks the first time that all three races will be on one network since NBC last aired the Triple Crown in 2005. NBC has been the exclusive home of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes since 2001.

NYRA: Founded in 1955, and franchised to run thoroughbred racing at New York’s three major tracks through 2033, NYRA boasts a lineage that actually stretches back almost 150 years. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of the state’s thoroughbred business which contributes more than $2 billion annually to New York State’s urban, suburban and rural economy. In 2010, more than 1.6 million people attended the live races at NYRA tracks. Factoring in nationwide off-track wagering, the average daily betting handle on NYRA races totals more than $8.7 million. NYRA has a vast network of websites, including www.nyra.com, www.belmontstakes.com, and www.nyragroupsales.com. You can also follow NYRA on social media platforms Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, and YouTube.

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Filed Under: Horse Racing, NBC

14.5 Million Watch Kentucky Derby On NBC

May 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Third Straight Year NBC’s Coverage of the Derby surpasses 14.5 Million; 4th Most-Watched in 21 Years

 

NEW YORK – May 10, 2011 – NBC Sports’ coverage of Saturday’s Kentucky Derby drew 14.54 million viewers, the fourth most-watched Kentucky Derby in 21 years according to data provided by The Nielsen Company. Since implementing NBC’s Big Event Strategy, the last three Kentucky Derby races have recorded at least 14.5 million viewers including last year’s Derby, which was the most-watched for the event in 22 years.

NBC Sports coverage of the Kentucky Derby over the last 11 years averages more than 2½ million more viewers than the previous 11 Kentucky Derby broadcasts on ABC (14.1 million vs.11.5 million, up 23 percent).

Saturday’s race (6:06-6:54 p.m. ET) was off 12 percent from last year’s 16.5 million, and 10 percent off from 2009’s 16.3 million, the two most-watched Derby’s since 1989 when Sunday Silence won the Derby (18.5 million). The only other Derby viewership to surpass Saturday’s since 1990 was in 2004 when superhorse Smarty Jones won the Derby (14.6 million).

KENTUCKY DERBY IS A HIT WITH THE WOMEN: The Kentucky Derby once again proved to be very popular with female viewers. In fact, 51 percent of Derby viewers 18+ were women, making it the only annual sporting event that draws more female than male viewers.

KENTUCKY DERBY VIEWERSHIP

2011 14.5 million NBC Animal Kingdom
2010 16.5 million NBC Super Saver
2009 16.3 million NBC Mine That Bird
2008 14.2 million NBC Big Brown
2007 13.8 million NBC Street Sense
2006 12.9 million NBC Barbaro
2005 13.6 million NBC Giacomo
2004 14.6 million NBC Smarty Jones
2003 11.8 million NBC Funny Cide
2002 12.8 million NBC War Emblem
2001 13.8 million NBC Monarchos
2000 9.1 million ABC Fusaichi Pegasus
1999 9.9 million ABC Charismatic
1998 9.5 million ABC Real Quiet
1997 11.3 million ABC Silver Charm
1996 11.0 million ABC Grindestone
1995 9.3 million ABC Thunder Gulch
1994 12.1 million ABC Go For Gin
1993 11.5 million ABC Sea Hero
1992 13.7 million ABC Lil E Tee
1991 13.4 million ABC Strike The Gold
1990 15.6 million ABC Unbridled
1989 18.5 million ABC Sunday Silence

Saturday’s race coverage notched an 8.5 national rating and a 19 share, down from a 9.8/23 each of the past two years.

VERSUS LIVE COVERAGE OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY SEES INCREASED VIEWERSHIP: Friday’s 90-minute live coverage of the Kentucky Oaks on VERSUS drew 235,000 viewers, an increase of four percent from last year’s Oaks that aired on Bravo and an increase of 180 percent over VERSUS’ prior four-week time period average.

  • Overall, live Kentucky Derby coverage from Churchill Downs on VERSUS drew an average of 280,000 viewers, an increase of 143 percent over the network’s prior four-week time period average.

PREAKNESS STAKES ON NBC SPORTS, MAY 21: In two weeks, Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom will take one more step to try to become the first horse to win the Triple Crown in 33 years, since Affirmed in 1978. NBC Sports Group coverage of The Preakness Stakes from Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore, Md., begins Friday, May 20 at 3 p.m. ET.

Fri. May 20, Preakness Classics, 3-4 p.m., VERSUS
Fri. May 20, Black Eyed Susan Stakes, 4-5 p.m., VERSUS
Sat. May 21, Live from Pimlico, 2:30-4:30 p.m., VERSUS
Sat. May 21, Preakness Stakes, 4:30-6:30 p.m., NBC
Sat. May 21, Preakness Wrap-up, 6:30-7 p.m., VERSUS

TOP 20 METERED MARKETS FOR 2011 KENTUCKY DERBY

1. Louisville, 34.4/62
2. Cincinnati, 21.2/37
3. West Palm Beach, 18.4/32
4. Dayton, 16.2/28
5. Ft. Myers, 16.1/31
6. Indianapolis, 15.5/32
T7. Nashville, 14.9/28
T7. Columbus, 14.9/31
9. Hartford, 14.1/28
10. Knoxville, 13.1/22
11. Buffalo, 13.0/28
12. Cleveland, 12.9/30
T13. Tampa, 12.6/28
T13. Pittsburgh, 12.6/25
15. Boston, 12.5/27
T16. Orlando, 11.8/25
T16. New Orleans, 11.8/22
18. Philadelphia, 11.7/24
T19. Baltimore, 11.5/25
T19. Greensboro, 11.5/23

Filed Under: Horse Racing, NBC, Ratings

NBCUniversal Surrounds The Kentucky Derby

May 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

NBCU Marketing Council Designates Derby a “Cross-Channel Priority”

TODAY Show Segments Live from Churchill Downs Starting Thursday

Features and Segments from NBCUniversal Properties Including CNBC, Access Hollywood, Weather Channel, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, E!, Style, iVillage, Daily Candy

 

NEW YORK – May 3, 2011 – The NBC Sports Group will present 14½ hours of Kentucky Derby coverage beginning tomorrow at 4 p.m. ET on VERSUS and culminating with the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby on NBC, Saturday, May 7 beginning at 4 p.m. ET.

The shared vision of Churchill Downs and NBC Sports’ successful ‘Big Event Strategy’ to assemble the broadest possible audience led to the 2010 Kentucky Derby being the most-watched Kentucky Derby in 21 years, in addition to the year prior which was the most-watched Derby in 20 years. Last year’s Kentucky Derby averaged 16.5 million viewers, making it the most-watched Kentucky Derby since 1989 when Sunday Silence won (18.5 million).

In the 10 years that Churchill Downs and NBC Sports have been together the event has experienced remarkable growth. The Kentucky Derby is now seen by 7.4 million more viewers than the last Kentucky Derby broadcast by ABC in 2000 (16.5 million vs. 9.1 million, up 51 percent).

CROSS-CHANNEL PRIORITY: Kentucky Derby coverage on NBC and VERSUS has been identified by NBCUniversal’s Marketing Council as a cross-channel priority. It is receiving the benefit of extensive promotion across NBCUniversal’s 20 channels and more than 40 websites. Also, once again this year, a host of NBCUniversal properties will participate in promoting the food, fashion, celebrity and entertaining spectacle that is the Kentucky Derby.

Below is a summary of the NBCU properties that are supporting the Kentucky Derby:

TODAY Show: The TODAY Show, the No. 1 morning news show (averaging 6 million viewers/week), is featuring Derby segments highlighting the food, fashion, celebrity and entertaining elements of the Derby everyday this week. Al Roker and Jenna Wolfe will be live from Churchill Downs Thursday, Friday and Saturday and their coverage will include interviews with NBC Sports horse racing analyst Gary Stevens and reporter Donna Brothers, who last year in a live interview with Roker was thrown from her horse and became a viral hit.

The Today Show with Hoda and Kathie Lee (4th hour): For the second straight year, Hoda and Kathie Lee are featuring a Derby trip giveaway contest for the fan who creates the most interesting Derby hat. The contest began Wednesday, April 27 and concludes this Wednesday. Viewers are asked to send in pictures of their originally-created hats, and one viewer will be selected to win a trip for two to the Derby. KLG and Hoda are promoting the contest through the show, on TODAYShow.com and through their Facebook page and Twitter accounts.

TodayShow.com: TodayShow.com is featuring a special Derby video player for viewers to replay all the Today Show Derby segments that are running throughout the week.

Weekend Today: The No. 1 weekend morning news show will air live segments from the Derby this weekend with Jenna Wolfe featuring interviews with NBC Sports talent on Saturday and scheduled to interview the winning connections on Sunday.

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Jimmy Fallon and his creative team developed a Derby sketch that will premiere in Saturday’s Derby coverage on NBC. Fallon also created pre-Derby coverage that will air in his show this week.

Access Hollywood and AH Live: Access Hollywood and Access Hollywood Live will highlight the Derby in a segment featuring Derby attendee and Celebrity Apprentice’s Niki Taylor shopping for her hat for Derby weekend. In the past years, Access shopped with Paris Hilton and Tinsley Mortimer as they prepared for the Derby.

CNBC: CNBC’s sports-business reporter, Darren Rovell, will report live from Churchill Downs all day Friday.

WEATHER CHANNEL: Al Roker and Stephanie Abrams will broadcast live from the Derby Friday and Saturday morning with “Wake Up with Al.” Abrams will also host “Your Weather Today” and “Weekend View” from the Derby.

E!: E! News is featuring Derby segments this week, including hat shopping with Sports Illustrated model and Derby attendee, Marisa Miller, and an interview with Jordin Sparks, who will perform the National Anthem at the Kentucky Derby.

Eonline.com is the premiere destination for breaking entertainment news and celebrity inside information to over six million unique users per month and will feature five distinct Derby-themed photo galleries each day of Derby week.

Style: MyStyle.com premieres Derby-themed photo galleries each day of Derby week and will also feature a Derby Day photo gallery with up-to-the minute Derby pictures from Churchill Downs.

Local Media & Comcast sports nets: Feature clips from NBC Sports Group’s Kentucky Derby coverage are being distributed to all 235 affiliates as well as the 11 CSN’s this week. NBC is also producing a satellite media tour with Betsy Berns, horse racing expert.

IVillage: iVillage, the essential digital brand for women, which reaches over 30 million unique visitors per month, will celebrate this year’s Derby by hosting a “Derby Yourself” application on its thriving Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ivillage), where fans can enter to win a fabulous new wardrobe and accessories from Vineyard Vines’ brand-new Kentucky Derby collection. Users can visualize themselves at the historic Churchill Downs race by creating their own avatar and dressing them in the height of Derby fashion, with fancy clothes, outrageous hats and all the accessories perfect for watching the event that marks the official start of the racing season.

DailyCandy: DailyCandy.com will feature Derby editorial content on its homepage each day of Derby Week and feature Derby fashion in their new feature, “Round-Ups.” In addition, a Derby-themed “Party Time” section will be featured in all DailyCandy editions and links to Derby content in DailyCandy Local and Everywhere emails will be present all week.

Swirl by DailyCandy: DailyCandy’s sister sample sale site, Swirl, launched a Derby-inspired sale this week featuring spring dresses, hats and other Derby attire. DailyCandy and Swirl content will link with iVillage Derby content.

NBC SPORTS GROUP KENTUCKY DERBY COVERAGE (All Times ET):

KENTUCKY DERBY – 14½ Hours

Today, Derby Classics – Smarty Jones, 4-5 p.m., VERSUS

Today, Kentucky Derby Draw, 5-6 p.m., VERSUS

Tomorrow, May 5, Derby Classics – Barbaro, 4-5 p.m., VERSUS

Tomorrow, May 5, Live from Churchill Downs, 5-6 p.m., VERSUS

Fri. May 6, Derby Classics – Mine That Bird, 4-5 p.m., VERSUS

Fri. May 6, Kentucky Oaks, 5-6 p.m., VERSUS

Sat. May 7, Live from Churchill Downs, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., VERSUS

Sat. May 7, Kentucky Derby, 4-7 p.m., NBC

Sat. May 7, Kentucky Derby Wrap-up, 7-7:30 p.m. VERSUS

Filed Under: Horse Racing, NBC

NBC Sports Group Presents 14 Hours Of Kentucky Derby Coverage

April 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Coverage From Churchill Downs Begins Wednesday, May 4 and Continues All Week on NBC and VERSUS

In All, NBC Sports Group Presents 27 Hours of Horse Racing’s Triple Crown

“Sunday Night Football” Producer Fred Gaudelli and Director Drew Esocoff Lead NBC Sports Group Production

Larry Collmus, Laffit Pincay III, Randy Moss, Jay Privman, Maria Menounos, Jenna Wolfe Added to Coverage

 

NEW YORK – April 27, 2011 – The NBC Sports Group will present 14 hours of Kentucky Derby coverage beginning on Wednesday, May 4 at 4 p.m. ET on VERSUS and culminating with the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby on NBC, Saturday, May 7 beginning at 4 p.m. ET.

The expanded Kentucky Derby coverage, which includes eight hours on Derby Day on NBC and VERSUS, will include many new elements:

  • Live coverage of the Kentucky Derby Draw, which will determine the post positions
  • Additional commentators including a new race caller, Larry Collmus
  • New production team
  • 11 total hours on VERSUS, now part of the NBC Sports Group, including live coverage of the Kentucky Oaks and Derby Day races
  • Three hours of “Derby Classics” (Smarty Jones, Barbaro, Mine That Bird) to air on VERSUS

27 HOURS OF TRIPLE CROWN COVERAGE: The NBC Sports Group will present 27 hours of Triple Crown coverage this season from Churchill Downs, Pimlico and Belmont, including additional “classics” from the Preakness and Belmont, live racing from all three tracks prior to the three Triple Crown races and post-race coverage of the Preakness and Belmont on VERSUS. This marks the first time that all three races will be on one network since NBC last aired the Triple Crown in 2005.

COMENTATORS: The NBC Sports Group coverage of the Kentucky Derby will once again feature co-hosts Bob Costas, a 21-time Emmy Award-winner, and veteran NBC Sports commentator Tom Hammond; three-time Kentucky Derby winner Gary Stevens; contributing analysts/handicappers Mike Battaglia and Bob Neumeier; reporter Kenny Rice and on-track reporter Donna Brothers.

Added for this year’s expanded coverage are race caller Larry Collmus, the track announcer at Gulfstream Park and Monmouth Park who replaces Tom Durkin; Laffit Pincay, III, son of Hall-of-Fame jockey Laffit Pincay, Jr., will host the coverage on VERSUS; veteran horse racing analyst Randy Moss; the Daily Racing Form’s Jay Privman; TODAY Show’s Jenna Wolfe will contribute features; and Access Hollywood’s Maria Menounos will handle celebrity interviews.

PRODUCTION TEAM: The coverage on NBC will be produced by Fred Gaudelli and directed by Drew Esocoff, NBC’s Emmy Award-winning “Sunday Night Football” production team. The VERSUS coverage will be produced by Rob Hyland, who has worked on the network’s horse racing coverage since 2001 and also produces NBC Sports’ Notre Dame Football, and directed by “NHL on NBC” director Jeff Simon. The executive producer of NBC Sports and VERSUS is Sam Flood who has produced 11 Triple Crown races for the network.

FLOOD ON NBC SPORTS GROUP COMMENTATORS: “We have had the premier broadcast team for NBC Sports’ Triple Crown races in place for years with Bob, Tom, Gary, Mike, Neumy, Kenny and Donna. Now, as we significantly expand our coverage on VERSUS, we are fortunate to add Laffit, Randy, Jay, Jenna and Maria to the team, along with Larry, who is a tremendous race caller.”

FLOOD ON PRODUCTION TEAM: “Fred Gaudelli is one of the most talented and dedicated producers in television sports. He and director Drew Esocoff set the gold standard for NFL coverage and will bring that same passion to covering the Triple Crown. We are lucky to have them for the Derby, Preakness and Belmont.”

NBC SPORTS GROUP TRIPLE CROWN COVERAGE (All Times ET):

KENTUCKY DERBY

Wed. May 4, Derby Classics – Smarty Jones, 4-5 p.m., VERSUS
Wed. May 4, Kentucky Derby Draw, 5-6 p.m., VERSUS
Thurs. May 5, Derby Classics – Barbaro, 4-5 p.m., VERSUS
Thurs. May 5, Live from Churchill Downs, 5-6 p.m., VERSUS
Fri. May 6, Derby Classics – Mine That Bird, 4-5 p.m., VERSUS
Fri. May 6, Kentucky Oaks, 5-6 p.m., VERSUS
Sat. May 7, Live from Churchill Downs, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., VERSUS
Sat. May 7, Kentucky Derby, 4-7 p.m., NBC

PREAKNESS STAKES

Fri. May 20, Preakness Classics, 3-4 p.m., VERSUS
Fri. May 20, Black Eyed Susan Stakes, 4-5 p.m., VERSUS
Sat. May 21, Live from Pimlico, 2:30-4:30 p.m., VERSUS
Sat. May 21, Preakness Stakes, 4:30-6:30 p.m., NBC
Sat. May 21, Preakness Wrap-up, 6:30-7 p.m., VERSUS

BELMONT STAKES

Fri. June 10, Belmont Classics, 4-5 p.m., VERSUS
Fri. June 10, Live from Belmont, 5-6 p.m., VERSUS
Sat. June 11, Live from Belmont, 3-5 p.m., VERSUS
Sat. June 11, Belmont Stakes, 5-7 p.m., NBC
Sat. June 11, Belmont Wrap-up, 7-7:30 p.m., VERSUS

NBC SPORTS AND HORSE RACING: The NBC Sports Group is now the exclusive home to Horse Racing’s Triple Crown. This marks the first time that all three races will be on one network since NBC last aired the Triple Crown in 2005. NBC has been the exclusive home of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes since 2001.

KENTUCKY DERBY: In the 10 years that Churchill Downs and NBC Sports have been together the event has experienced remarkable growth. The Kentucky Derby is now seen by 7.4 million more viewers than the last Kentucky Derby broadcast by ABC in 2000 (16.5 million vs. 9.1 million, up 51 percent).

The shared vision of Churchill Downs and NBC Sports’ successful ‘Big Event Strategy’ to assemble the broadest possible audience led to the 2010 Kentucky Derby being the most-watched Kentucky Derby in 21 years, in addition to the year prior which was the most-watched Derby in 20 years. Last year’s Kentucky Derby averaged 16.5 million viewers, the most watched Kentucky Derby since 1989 when Sunday Silence won the Derby (18.5 million).

PREAKNESS STAKES: Since NBC Sports began broadcasting the Preakness in 2001, every Preakness telecast on NBC over that period attracted more viewers than any Preakness telecast on ABC in the previous seven years. Viewership for the Preakness is up an average of 69% in the 10 years on NBC compared to the previous seven years on ABC.

BELMONT STAKES: NBC Sports broadcast the Belmont from 2001-05, including three straight years in which the Belmont had a Triple Crown at stake. The 2004 Belmont featuring Smarty Jones racing for the Triple Crown was seen by 21.9 million viewers, the most for a Belmont broadcast since Seattle Slew captured the elusive Triple Crown in 1977.

Since its involvement in the Triple Crown, NBC Sports has been honored with 11 Eclipse Awards for its thoroughbred racing coverage, Preakness (2002-03-05-06-08), Kentucky Derby (2007), Belmont (2004) and Breeder’s Cup (2001). Additionally, NBC Sports has won three Eclipse Awards in the features category: 2002 on War Emblem (Preakness broadcast), 2005 Afleet Alex (Kentucky Derby broadcast) and 2009 Mine That Bird (Preakness broadcast), and the 2005 and 2006 Preakness broadcasts were nominated for the Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Live Sports Special.

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Filed Under: Horse Racing, NBC

SiriusXM to Broadcast 2011 Triple Crown Nationwide

April 13, 2011 By 2 Comments

Live broadcasts of Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes will be available to satellite radio subscribers from coast to coast

NEW YORK – April 11, 2011 – Sirius XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) and Horse Racing Radio Network (HRRN) announced today an agreement to broadcast all three races of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown nationwide.

Both Sirius and XM radio listeners will hear HRRN’s broadcast of the 137th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 7, the 136th Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 21, and the 143rd Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 11.  All three race broadcasts will air live starting at 5:00 pm ET.

The broadcasts of all three Triple Crown races will also be available to listeners on SiriusXM Internet Radio and through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App for the Apple iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and several BlackBerry and Android-powered smartphones.

“The Triple Crown represents three of the most anticipated events on the sports calendar and we’re very pleased to deliver every second from all three races to our subscribers,” said Steve Cohen, SiriusXM’s Senior Vice President of Sports Programming.  “On race day, we’ll bring SiriusXM listeners so close to the action they’ll feel like they are standing at the rail.”

“We are thrilled that our award-winning race coverage will be available to the millions of subscribers on SiriusXM,” said Mike Penna, President of HRRN.  “Our goal is to make listeners feel as if they are sitting next to us at the races and SiriusXM provides a tremendous platform for HRRN to share the unique experience of horse racing’s premier events.”

The Horse Racing Radio Network is the Eclipse Award-winning broadcast organization, providing live radio coverage of many of the sport’s biggest races.  In addition to the Triple Crown events, SiriusXM will carry HRRN’s coverage of a select number of stakes races throughout the year, including the 137th Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 6, starting at 3:00 pm ET.

Since 2005, SiriusXM has provided horse racing fans coverage of the Sport of Kings, offering live broadcasts of thoroughbred and harness races from around the country plus racing talk shows that offer a steady stream of news and analysis.  Throughout the year, listeners can tune in to hear Down The Stretch, hosted by acclaimed track announcer Dave Johnson and journalist Bill Finley (Saturdays, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm ET) and At The Races with Steve Byk (weekdays, 4:00 – 7:00 pm ET).  Both programs air nationwide on Sirius channel 126 and XM channel 243.

Visit www.siriusxm.com for more information.

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Filed Under: Horse Racing, Sirius/XM

NBC Sports Group Reassembles Triple Crown

February 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Multi-Year Agreements to Renew Preakness Stakes and Reacquire Belmont Stakes

Previously Announced Kentucky Derby Extension Now Includes Increased Programming

More Than 25 Hours of Triple Crown Coverage on NBC and VERSUS

NEW YORK – February 22, 2011 – The NBC Sports Group will broadcast all three legs of horse racing’s prestigious Triple Crown, renewing the rights to the Preakness Stakes and reacquiring rights to the Belmont Stakes. As previously announced, NBC and Churchill Downs, Inc. renewed rights to the Kentucky Derby. This marks the first time that all three races will be on one network since NBC aired them in 2005. The agreements were announced today by Dick Ebersol, Chairman, NBC Sports Group, Tom Chuckas, President and Chief Operating Officer, Maryland Jockey Club, and C. Steven Duncker, NYRA Chairman. Like NBC Sports’ agreement with Churchill Downs, each agreement announced today gives NBC exclusive rights to the Preakness and Belmont through 2015.

The agreements include coverage of the Black Eyed Susan Stakes and other Preakness-day and Belmont-day programming on VERSUS. Additionally, expanded Derby week programming including the Kentucky Oaks and Derby day programming will air on VERSUS. In all, the NBC Sports Group will broadcast more than 25 hours of Triple Crown coverage (detailed schedule to be released at a later date). Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.

“Everyone at NBC Sports Group is delighted that the Triple Crown has been reassembled. We are now uniquely positioned to significantly expand the reach of these iconic events with extensive coverage on VERSUS,” said Ebersol. “As we previously announced, we are continuing our long-standing partnership with the Kentucky Derby. To add this extension with the Preakness while reacquiring the Belmont gives our new NBC Sports Group the three most important events in thoroughbred racing. And we want to thank Churchill Downs Incorporated and CEO Bob Evans for his leadership in paving the way for the Triple Crown to return to NBC.”

“We are pleased to renew our broadcast partnership with NBC Sports,” said Chuckas. “Our relationship with NBC allows us the opportunity to reach more than just sports fans. The partnership not only affords us the stature and exposure of a continued presence on network television but provides the added benefit of NBC’s consistent promotion through the Kentucky Derby leading into the Preakness.”

“We are thrilled to return our premier race to NBC Sports,” said Duncker. “They have done a terrific job covering horse racing, including their Kentucky Derby and the Preakness broadcasts over the prior decade. With an excellent production team that has pioneered innovative camera angles, and a tremendous group of on-air talent that offers unique insights into the races, NBC Sports will be a great partner for the Belmont Stakes.”

NBC SPORTS AND HORSE RACING: The NBC Sports Group is now the exclusive home to Horse Racing’s Triple Crown. This marks the first time that all three races will be on one network since NBC last aired the Triple Crown in 2005. NBC has been the exclusive home of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes since 2001.

KENTUCKY DERBY: In the 10 years that Churchill Downs and NBC Sports have been together the event has experienced remarkable growth. The Kentucky Derby is now seen by 7.4 million more viewers than the last Kentucky Derby broadcast by ABC in 2000 (16.5 million vs. 9.1 million, up 51 percent).

The shared vision of Churchill Downs and NBC Sports’ successful ‘Big Event Strategy’ to assemble the broadest possible audience led to the 2010 Kentucky Derby being the most-watched Kentucky Derby in 21 years, in addition to the year prior which was the most-watched Derby in 20 years. Last year’s Kentucky Derby averaged 16.5 million viewers, the most watched Kentucky Derby since 1989 when Sunday Silence won the Derby (18.5 million).

PREAKNESS STAKES: Since NBC Sports began broadcasting the Preakness in 2001, every Preakness telecast on NBC over that period attracted more viewers than any Preakness telecast on ABC in the previous seven years. Viewership for the Preakness is up an average of 69% in the 10 years on NBC compared to the previous seven years on ABC.

BELMONT STAKES: NBC Sports broadcast the Belmont from 2001-05, including three straight years in which the Belmont had a Triple Crown at stake. The 2004 Belmont featuring Smarty Jones racing for the Triple Crown was seen by 21.9 million viewers, the most for a Belmont broadcast since Seattle Slew captured the elusive Triple Crown in 1977.

Since its involvement in the Triple Crown, NBC Sports has been honored with 11 Eclipse Awards for its thoroughbred racing coverage, Preakness (2002-03-05-06-08), Kentucky Derby (2007), Belmont (2004) and Breeder’s Cup (2001). Additionally, NBC Sports has won three Eclipse Awards in the features category: 2002 on War Emblem (Preakness broadcast), 2005 Afleet Alex (Kentucky Derby broadcast) and 2009 Mine That Bird (Preakness broadcast), and the 2005 and 2006 Preakness broadcasts were nominated for the Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Live Sports Special.

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Filed Under: Horse Racing, NBC

Conference Call Replay: Breeders’ Cup on ABC, ESPN & ESPN2 Nov. 5-6

November 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Conference Call Replay: Breeders’ Cup on ABC, ESPN & ESPN2 Nov. 5-6

ESPN conducted a media conference call Wednesday, Nov. 3, to preview the 27th running of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships from Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 5-6 on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 with analysts Jerry Bailey and Randy Moss and ESPN vice president of studio productions Mike McQuade. ESPN’s coverage will include more than nine hours of coverage dedicated to the 14 races, as both Friday and Saturday will finish under the lights for the first time in Breeders’ Cup history. Additionally, for the second year, The Breeders’ Cup has selected The V Foundation for Cancer Research as its primary beneficiary that will include on-air messaging and in-stadium text messaging to donate, as well as merchandise offerings. Details of the entire programming schedule can be viewed here, and to hear a full replay of the call click here. Select comments from the conference call:

On the new technology 4 oz. jockey cam mounted on helmets…

Bailey: “This is so small it’s scary…the shot that you got was awesome, it was almost like you were riding the horse…It will be great for audience to see and it really helps the viewer get a feel for what the jockey is doing. I was even impressed!…Kudos to the jocks doing this and trainers and owners that are allowing it. It’s not invasive, but it’s new and so a little bit scary in that sense.”

Moss: “Watching that test video today was like being in the middle of the ultimate interactive video game.”

McQuade on the decision to not use the jockey cam on Mike Smith and Zenyatta during the Breeders’ Cup Classic: “We are covering the story we do not want to be the story. Therefore we have plenty of other cameras that can document this historic run. This is a way to give insight during the course of two days of what the jockey’s go through and showing off the pure speed of what goes on.”

On the two-day Breeders’ Cup Championship…

Bailey: “It’s not just a race, it’s an event, and a two-day encapsulation of the very best in every division that this sport has to offer.”

On Zenyatta’s pursuit of perfection and 20th win…

McQuade: “In sports now, there are very few moments like this that you have a chance to document…These are special moments. If the horse comes back and has another win and goes undefeated for a career, everyone will be talking about it on Sunday.”

On Zenyatta and the pressure for perfection for her and jockey Mike Smith…

Bailey: “That’s why this is such a great sport. These athletes don’t read the press clippings. She’s not asking for a raise. She’s not asking for an extended contract. She has no idea in terms of print media what she’s getting. She does understand the attention she gets from cameras around her and people around her…I think she’s one of the unique kinds of champion thoroughbreds that actually embraces it. She plays to the camera and I think she enjoys it…In terms of Mike Smith, he’s been to this dance before. I have to give him credit for extending himself in a lot of areas…he’s the kind of guy that knows when to lock in…he will do what it takes to be focused when the time comes.”

On Zenyatta racing on dirt vs. synthetic material…

Bailey: “She’s actually run twice on dirt in her career…it wasn’t at Churchill Downs, but she won both of those races…she not only ran as well, she ran better on it, that particular year…My personal feeling that she will handle it very well, and I think she might run better on natural dirt rather than she would on synthetic, but she will still have the issue of traffic to deal with coming from last where she comes from.”

On Zenyatta’s legacy and impact on horse racing…

Moss: “It’s almost certainly going to be her final career race. The appreciation of Zenyatta is already amazingly high. The people that compete against her know how difficult it is to win 8 or 9 races in a row, let alone 19 or 20 races. The impact, it will be huge this weekend and certainly talked about forever.”

Bailey: “Nobody has amassed an 8 for 8 or 10 for 10 record right now. …Nobody will immediately take her place.”

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Filed Under: ESPN, Horse Racing

Breeders’ Cup on ABC, ESPN & ESPN2 Nov. 5-6

November 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Breeders’ Cup on ABC, ESPN & ESPN2 Nov. 5-6

The V Foundation for Cancer Research to be Beneficiary for Second Year

The 27th running of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships will air live in high definition from Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 5-6 on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2.  ESPN will have more than nine hours of coverage dedicated to the 14 races, as both Friday and Saturday will finish under the lights for the first time in Breeders’ Cup history. The Breeders’ Cup marks the climactic end of the thoroughbred racing season.

This year’s event will be highlighted by undefeated mare Zenyatta, the first female horse to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic (2009) and winner of the 2008 Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic. Known for her pre-race dance routine and dramatic finishes, she will be seeking her 20th straight win this week.

“Zenyatta just may be the greatest horse of all time. How can you argue with perfection?,” said jockey Mike Smith.

Championship Friday, Nov. 5, will begin at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN2 with six Breeders’ Cup Championship races, concluding with the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic at 7:30 p.m.  Saturday’s racing will begin on ABC at 1:30 p.m. and continue on ESPN from 3:30-7 p.m. The Breeders’ Cup Classic: “Zenyatta, A Quest for Perfection” sponsored by Emirates Airline will run commercial free beginning at 6:15 p.m. ESPN3.com will stream the ESPN and ESPN2 telecasts live.  ESPN’s coverage on Nov. 6 will also be available on ESPN Mobile TV and online through ESPNnetworks.com (available to Time Warner Cable customers).

Joe Tessitore will host with analysts Jerry Bailey and Randy Moss, while Kenny Mayne will work with handicapper Hank Goldberg. Nick Luck will be the European horse analyst and Jeannine Edwards, Jay Privman, and Caton Bredar (on horseback) will serve as reporters. Steve Cyphers will interview key personalities in the sport and Jeremy Schaap will report from the winner’s circle. Trevor Denman will call the races and reporter Bill Nack will contribute essays for the ESPN telecast.

Planned features:

  • “Zenyatta: Hollywood Overtime” – a screenplay feature about Zenyatta and her Hollywood-esque finishes in each race she competes;
  • Zenyatta’s relationship with jockey Mike Smith and champion racehorse trainer John Shirrefs;
  • A profile on horse racing in Kentucky, including an interview with University of Louisville basketball head coach Rick Pitino;
  • And, a feature on American thoroughbred racehorse trainer Rick Dutrow.

The ESPN telecasts of the Breeders’ Cup will include more than 40 HD cameras positioned throughout Churchill Downs, including positions on a crane, helicopter, inside the starting gate, stewards’ room and two X-Mo cameras at the finish line.

Multi-Platform Coverage:

  • ESPN360.com: Simulcasts of ESPN and ESPN2 on Friday and Saturday;
  • SportsCenter: News and information, and features on Zenyatta leading up to and following the race.
  • ESPN Radio: News and information updates;
  • Outside the Lines: Feature on Zenyatta, as well as discussion of the horse’s legacy with Bill Nack and Randy Moss;
  • First Take: News and information reporting, including an interview with Zenyatta jockey Mike Smith on Wed., Nov. 3. On Fri., Nov. 5, Randy Moss will debate Skip Bayless on First and Ten about Zenyatta’s chance for a repeat win;
  • ESPN.com: “Cover it Live” chat with handicapper Terry Turrell and blogging on-site from Kenny Mayne and Zenyatta jockey Mike Smith. Additional features throughout the week will include Q&A’s with jockeys, Zenyatta’s arrival to Churchill Downs, Breeders’ Cup picks, video recaps and final thoughts of the Breeders’ Cup races, among others;
  • ESPN Mobile TV: will simulcast the Breeders’ Cup live on ESPN, Sat., Nov. 6;
  • ESPN International: Racing will be distributed via ESPN’s networks in Australia, New Zealand, Africa and the Middle East, and on ESPN’s HD networks in Australia, Brazil and Latin America.  In addition, the Breeders’ Cup will be streamed live on ESPN broadband platforms in Latin America and Australia.

Breeders’ Cup and The V Foundation for Cancer Research

For the second year, The Breeders’ Cup World Championships has selected The V Foundation for Cancer Research as its primary beneficiary. In 2009, $130,000 was donated to the foundation. This year, in addition to on-air messaging and in-stadium text messaging to donate, Breeders’ Cup has expanded its merchandise offerings to include a horseshoe necklace, Zenyatta cap and a t-shirt from which a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Foundation. Additionally, for the second year, the third race Fri., Nov. 5 (at 3 p.m.), will bear the name: Jimmy V “Don’t Give Up…Don’t Ever Give Up!” ® in honor of The V Foundation for Cancer Research. CEO Nick Valvano will be on hand to present the trophy to the winner of this race.

About The V Foundation for Cancer Research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has raised more than $100 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. Administrative and fundraising expenses are paid by their endowment. The Foundation awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Board. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

TELEVISION SCHEDULE

Date Race Time (ET) Network
Fri., Nov. 5 $500,000 Breeders’ Cup Marathon 4:10 p.m. ESPN2
$1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf 4:50 p.m. ESPN2
$1 million Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint 5:30 p.m. ESPN2
$1 million Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies 6:10 p.m. ESPN2
$2 million Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf 6:50 p.m. ESPN2
$2 million Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic 7:30 p.m. ESPN2
Sat., Nov. 6 $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf 1:50 p.m. ABC
$2 million Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Sprint 2:30 p.m. ABC
$1 million  Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint 3:15 p.m. ABC
$2 million Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile 3:55 p.m. ESPN
$2 million TVG Breeders’ Cup Mile 4:40 pm. ESPN
$1 million Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile 5:20 p.m. ESPN
$3 million Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Turf 6 p.m. ESPN
$5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic 6:45 p.m. ESPN

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Filed Under: ESPN, Horse Racing
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