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BREEDERS’ CUP CHALLENGE SERIES “WIN AND YOU’RE IN” RACING CONTINUES THIS SATURDAY AT 5 P.M. ET ON NBC WITH TVG.COM HASKELL STAKES LIVE FROM MONMOUTH PARK

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OCEANPORT, N.J. (July 15, 2021) — Hot Rod Charlie, a hard-fought second in the Belmont Stakes (G1), headlines a seven-horse field of 3-year-olds set for Saturday’s 1 1/8-mile, $1 million TVG.com Haskell Stakes (G1) live on NBC beginning at 5 p.m. ET. The winner of the TVG.com Haskell Stakes gains a  “Win and You’re In” berth into the $6 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) through the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series.

The Haskell Stakes broadcast is the fourth program this year in the “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In – presented by America’s Best Racing” on NBC and NBCSN from some of North America’s most iconic racetracks. The series leads to the 38th Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar racetrack in Del Mar, California, to be held Nov. 5-6 and televised live on NBC and NBCSN. The complete series TV schedule can be accessed here.

The one-hour broadcast also will include the $500,000 United Nations Stakes (G1) on turf.

NBC Sports’ coverage will feature commentary and discussion on-site at Monmouth led by host Britney Eurton, analysts Randy Moss and Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey, who won 15 Breeders’ Cup races including five victories in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic, reporter Laffit Pincay, and handicapper/reporter Eddie Olczyk.

Hot Rod Charlie, owned by Boat Racing, Gainesway Stable, Roadrunner Racing, and William Strauss, and trained by Doug O’Neill, is the 6-5 morning line favorite in the 54th TVG.com Haskell Stakes. Winner of the Louisiana Derby (G2) at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans in March, Hot Rod Charlie finished third in the Kentucky Derby (G1), losing by just a little over 1-length. In the most exciting finish of this year’s Triple Crown races, Hot Rod Charlie battled Essential Quality on even terms through the stretch of the Belmont Stakes in a gallant effort and finished 1 ¼ lengths behind the winner. Hot Rod Charlie will be ridden by Flavien Prat, who won this year’s Preakness Stakes on Rombauer, from post position four.

Two other second-place finishers from the Triple Crown races, Juddmonte’s Mandaloun and Winchell Thoroughbreds’ Midnight Bourbon, should also figure prominently in the Haskell.  Mandaloun, the 2-1 second choice, trained by Brad Cox, was forwardly placed in the Kentucky Derby and finished just a half-length behind Medina Spirit. He resurfaced next on June 13 in the 1 1/16-mile TVG.com Pegasus Stakes. After a poor start, Mandaloun rallied to win by a neck. Florent Geroux has the mount on Mandaloun, breaking from post three.

Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, trainer of Midnight Bourbon, has enjoyed great success at Monmouth Park. In 2007, Asmussen saddled Curlin to a third-place finish in the Haskell, but came back to Monmouth in the fall and won the Breeders’ Cup Classic, clinching the Horse of the Year title. Two years later, the Asmussen-trained filly Rachel Alexandra captured the Haskell by 6 lengths and was later voted the 2009 Horse of the Year.

On Saturday, Midnight Bourbon, ridden by Paco Lopez from post six, is seeking his second win of the year since he captured the Lecomte Stakes (G3) at the Fair Grounds in January. Following a sixth-place finish in the Kentucky Derby, Midnight Bourbon delivered a solid performance in the Preakness Stakes (G1), taking the lead in the stretch before being overtaken by Rombauer and losing by 3 ½ lengths.

An intriguing starter now joining the 3-year-old scene is Spendthrift Farm’s Following Sea. Trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, Following Sea, the 3-1 third choice, broke his maiden in a 6-furlong race at Oaklawn Park on April 10 by 5 ¾ lengths. He started next in a 6 ½-furlong allowance race at Belmont Park on June 3 and rolled to victory by 6 ½ lengths. Joel Rosario will ride Following Sea from post one.

The rest of the field is comprised of locally-based runners Antigravity (David Cohen, post two); Pickin Time (Nik Juarez, post five), and Basso (Isaac Castillo, post seven).

The 1 3/8-mile United Nations Stakes, which drew 10 starters, is led by the Cox-trained 7-year-old Arklow, who finished fourth in last year’s race. Owned by Donegal Racing, Joseph Bulger, and the Estate of Peter Coneway, Arklow comes into this year’s renewal off a win in the Louisville Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs on May 15. Michael Dubb, Madaket Stables, Wonder Stables, and Michael J. Caruso’s Tribhuvan (FR), trained by Chad Brown, has made two starts this year at Belmont Park. He won the Fort Marcy Stakes (G2) on May 1, and finished second in the Resorts World Casino Manhattan Stakes (G1) on June 5.

 

ABOUT NBC SPORTS GROUP

NBC Sports Group serves sports fans 24/7 with premier live events, insightful studio shows, and compelling original programming. The sports media company consists of NBC Sports, NBC Olympics, NBCSN, Golf Channel, Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA, NBC Sports Regional Networks, NBC Sports Radio and NBC Sports Digital, which includes NBCSports.com, NBCOlympics.com, GolfChannel.com, the digital assets of the NBC Sports Regional Networks, Rotoworld, the NBC Sports Talk franchise, multiple apps, and two transactional sports businesses, GolfNow and SportsEngine. NBC Sports Group possesses an unparalleled collection of television rights agreements, partnering with some of the most prestigious sports properties in the world: The International Olympic Committee and United States Olympic Committee, the NFL, NHL, NASCAR, INDYCAR, PGA TOUR, The R&A, PGA of America, Churchill Downs, Premier League, Tour de France, French Open, and many more.

ABOUT AMERICA’S BEST RACING

America’s Best Racing is a multimedia fan development and awareness-building platform, initiated by The Jockey Club, designed to increase the profile and visibility of North America’s best Thoroughbred racing events with a primary focus on the sport’s lifestyle and competition. You can follow America’s Best Racing at AmericasBestRacing.net as well as on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat.

ABOUT BREEDERS’ CUP

The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred horse racing’s year-end Championships, as well as the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The Breeders’ Cup is also a founding member of the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition, an organization composed of industry leaders committed to advancing safety measures in Thoroughbred racing and improving the well-being of equine and human athletes.

The 2021 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 Championship races, is scheduled to be held on November 5-6 at Del Mar racetrack in Del Mar, California. The event will be televised live by the NBC Sports Group. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website, breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media.

BREEDERS’ CUP CHALLENGE SERIES “WIN AND YOU’RE IN” RACING RETURNS THIS SATURDAY AT 5 P.M. ET ON NBC & SUNDAY AT 5 P.M. ET ON NBCSN LIVE FROM BELMONT PARK

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STAMFORD, Conn. – July 1, 2021 – The “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and Your In – presented by America’s Best Racing” returns to Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., with two programs of top flight Thoroughbred racing this weekend. On Saturday, July 3, at 5 p.m. ET, NBC will broadcast live the $400,000 Suburban (G2), led by Dubai World Cup winner Mystic Guide, with the race winner earning an automatic berth into the $6 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). On Sunday, July 4, at 5 p.m. ET, multiple graded-stakes winning sprinter Firenze Fire headlines the $250,000 John A. Nerud Stakes (G2), which offers a “Win and You’re In” starting position into the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1).

The two weekend programs mark the second and third telecasts this year in the “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In – presented by America’s Best Racing” on NBC and NBCSN from some of North America’s most iconic racetracks. The series leads to the 38th Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar racetrack in Del Mar, California, to be held  Nov. 5-6 on NBC and NBCSN. The complete series TV schedule can be accessed here.

NBC Sports’ coverage of both programs will feature commentary and discussion led by host Ahmed Fareed and analysts Randy Moss and Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey, who won 15 Breeders’ Cup races, including five victories in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), from NBC Sports Group’s International Broadcast Center in Stamford, Conn. Reporters Britney Eurton and Matt Bernier will be on-site at Belmont Park.

In the 1 ¼-mile Suburban, Godolphin’s Mystic Guide, trained by Mike Stidham and ridden by Luis Saez, has won both his starts this year. A 4-year-old son of 2004 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Ghostzapper, Mystic Guide captured the Razorback Handicap (G3) at Oaklawn Park in March and then took the $12 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan in the United Arab Emirates on March 27, which was his most recent start.

Among the challengers facing Mystic Guide is the Todd-Pletcher trained 4-year-old Happy Saver, who is undefeated in five starts. A son of 2010 Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver, Happy Saver, ridden by Irad Oritz Jr., has won three races at Belmont, including last year’s 1 ¼-mile Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1). Pletcher also has entered Repole Stable and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ 5-year-old Moretti, who finished second in last year’s Suburban. Moretti finished third in the Brooklyn Stakes (G3) on June 5 in his first start of the year. Flavien Prat will ride Moretti.

Owner and trainer Uriah St. Lewis is starting the 4-year-old Informative, who came from last in a 10-horse field to win the Salvator Mile (G3) at 79-1 on June 12 at Monmouth Park. Manny Franco has the mount on Informative.

Mr. Amore Stable’s 6-year-old Firenze Fire tops Sunday’s John A. Nerud Stakes at 7 furlongs. Trained by Kelly Breen, Firenze Fire has won 14 races in 33 starts, and nine of those victories were in graded stakes. A son of Poseiden’s Warrior, Firenze has two wins at Belmont this year, taking the 6-furlong Runhappy Stakes on May 8 and the 6 ½-furlong True North Stakes (G2) on June 4.

Red Oak Stable and Madaket Stables’ 5-year-old Mind Control is seeking his first win this year for new trainer Todd Pletcher. A seven-time winner, Mind Control finished second in the 7-furlong Carter Handicap (G1) at Aqueduct on April 3 and seventh in the 7-furlong Churchill Downs Stakes on May 1.

The 6-year-old American Power, owned by Sanford Goldfarb, Irwin Goldfarb and the Estate of Ira Davis, finished third in the True North. Trained by Rob Atras, American Power has won two of four starts this year, both at 7 furlongs, taking the Toboggan Stakes (G3) on Jan. 30 at Aqueduct and the Caixa Electronica, also at Aqueduct, on March 27.

NBC SPORTS GROUP AND HORSE RACING: NBC Sports Group is the exclusive home to the most important and prestigious events in horse racing, including the Triple Crown, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Royal Ascot, and Pegasus World Cup Invitational Series. NBC has been the exclusive home of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes since 2001, and the Belmont Stakes since 2011, when NBC Sports Group reassembled the Triple Crown.

ABOUT AMERICA’S BEST RACING

America’s Best Racing is a multimedia fan development and awareness-building platform, initiated by The Jockey Club, designed to increase the profile and visibility of North America’s best Thoroughbred racing events with a primary focus on the sport’s lifestyle and competition. You can follow America’s Best Racing at AmericasBestRacing.net as well as on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat.

ABOUT BREEDERS’ CUP

The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred horse racing’s year-end Championships, as well as the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The Breeders’ Cup is also a founding member of the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition, an organization composed of industry leaders committed to advancing safety measures in Thoroughbred racing and improving the well-being of equine and human athletes.

The 2021 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 Championship races, is scheduled to be held on November 5-6 at Del Mar racetrack in Del Mar, California. The event will be televised live by the NBC Sports Group. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website, breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media.

–NBC SPORTS–

NBC SPORTS PRESENTS DAILY LIVE COVERAGE OF THE PRESTIGIOUS ROYAL ASCOT HORSE RACING MEET, BEGINNING TOMORROW, TUES., JUNE 15 AT 8:30 A.M. ET ON NBCSN

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Final Day of Royal Ascot This Saturday, June 19 at 9 a.m. ET on NBC & 11 a.m. ET on CNBC

Nearly 25 Hours of Coverage Over Five Days of Royal Meeting

Coverage Streamed Live on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app

STAMFORD, Conn. – June 14, 2021 – NBC Sports presents daily live coverage of the Royal Meeting in Ascot, England, beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, June 15, at 8:30 a.m. ET on NBCSN. Daily telecasts of the full five-day Royal Meeting will air on NBCSN through Friday, June 18, and conclude this Saturday, June 19 on NBC (9 a.m. ET) and CNBC (11 a.m. ET).

In total, NBC Sports will present nearly 25 hours of coverage over the five days.

Royal Ascot is Britain’s most valuable race meeting and features more than 30 races, including eight at the world championship “Group One” level. Highlighting this year’s American contingent are Extravagant Kid and Maven, a son of Triple Crown-winner American Pharoah, who are both expected to run in tomorrow’s G1 King’s Stand Stakes.

Throughout the week, coverage of The Royal Meeting features four live “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series – Win and You’re In” races: The Queen Anne Stakes (Tues., June 15), Prince of Wales’s Stakes (Wed., June 16), The Norfolk Stakes (Thurs., June 17), and The Diamond Jubilee Stakes (Sat., Jun 19).

The Royal Meeting is the center of the British social season and a pivotal week in the calendar of the Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth II has attended Royal Ascot every year since 1945, except for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NBC Sports’ Nick Luck will host Saturday’s coverage.

Following is NBC Sports’ schedule for the Royal Ascot this week:

Date Time (ET) Network
Tues., June 15 8:30 a.m. NBCSN
Wed., June 16 8:30 a.m. NBCSN
Thurs., June 17 8:30 a.m. NBCSN
Fri., June 18 8:30 a.m. NBCSN
Sat., June 19 9 a.m. NBC
Sat., June 19 11 a.m. CNBC

 

ROYAL ASCOT COVERAGE ON NBCSPORTS.COM & THE NBC SPORTS APP

NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app will stream live coverage to desktops, mobile, tablets, and connected TVs via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value to their subscription service, and making high-quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. The full HD-quality video stream will come directly from NBC’s broadcasts. NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app are available on the iTunes App Store, Google Play, Windows Store, Roku Channel Store, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox, and Chromecast. NBC Sports.com and the NBC Sports app will provide a full race replay of the Preakness Stakes.

NBC SPORTS GROUP AND HORSE RACING: NBC Sports Group is the exclusive home to the most important and prestigious events in horse racing, including the Triple Crown, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Royal Ascot, and Pegasus World Cup Invitational Series. NBC has been the exclusive home of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes since 2001, and the Belmont Stakes since 2011, when NBC Sports Group reassembled the Triple Crown.

–NBC SPORTS–

NBC SPORTS PRESENTS THE BELMONT STAKES, THE FINAL JEWEL OF THE TRIPLE CROWN, FEATURING PREAKNESS STAKES WINNER ROMBAUER, THIS SAT., JUNE 5 LIVE AT 5 P.M. ET ON NBC

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Coverage from Belmont Park Begins This Friday at 5 p.m. ET on NBCSN & Continues Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN

Saturday’s Coverage Includes Features on Rombauer Jockey John Velazquez and Trainer Michael McCarthy

NBC Sports Presents Two “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series – Win and You’re In” Races on Saturday

Game 4 of Boston Bruins-New York Islanders NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Series Follows Belmont Stakes at 7:15 p.m. ET on NBC

STAMFORD, Conn. – June 2, 2021 – NBC Sports’ Triple Crown horse racing concludes this weekend with live coverage of the 153rd Belmont Stakes this Saturday, June 5 at 5 p.m. ET on NBC featuring Preakness winner Rombauer (3-1) and 2-1 morning line favorite Essential Quality.

Game 4 of the Second Round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs between the New York Islanders and the Boston Bruins will air on NBC immediately following the Belmont Stakes. The Islanders will host the Bruins at Nassau Coliseum, which is less than eight miles away from Belmont Park.

The Belmont Stakes is referred to as the “Test of the Champion” for its 1.5-mile distance, the longest of the three Triple Crown races. Essential Quality is one of five horses who competed in the Kentucky Derby that will run in Saturday’s Belmont Stakes: Hot Rod Charlie (7-2), Known Agenda (6-1), Bourbonic (15-1) and Rock Your World (9-2).

Coverage from Belmont Park begins this Friday, June 4, at 5 p.m. ET on NBCSN and continues Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN with two “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series – Win and You’re In” races. Over the two days, NBC Sports will cover seven races live.

Highlights of NBC Sports’ Belmont Stakes coverage include:

    • Seven live races on Friday and Saturday (two in the NBC Belmont Stakes show)
    • A feature on Rombauer jockey John Velazquez, who won this year’s Kentucky Derby atop Medina Spirit and has won two career Belmont Stakes (2007, 2012)
    • A feature on Rombauer trainer Michael McCarthy, who won his first career Triple Crown race at this year’s Preakness Stakes
    • On Saturday, NBC Sports presents two races in the “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series – Win and You’re In,” including the Hill ‘N’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap and the Ogden Phipps Handicap.

 

COMMENTATORS:  NBC Sports’ coverage of the Belmont Stakes features host Mike Tirico; analysts Randy Moss and Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey, a two-time Belmont Stakes winner; insights analyst Steve Kornacki, who correctly picked Media Spirit as this year’s Kentucky Derby winner; host/reporter Ahmed Fareed; reporters Donna Brothers, Britney Eurton, Laffit Pincay III, and Kenny Rice; and race caller Larry Collmus. Reporter/handicapper Eddie Olczyk will join coverage from Las Vegas, where he’s calling the Colorado Avalanche-Vegas Golden Knights Stanley Cup Playoff series.

The Belmont Stakes is produced by Lindsay Schanzer and is directed by Sunday Night Football and NBC Sports’ horse racing director Drew Esocoff. The coordinating producer of NBC’s horse racing coverage is Rob Hyland. Executive producer and president, production, NBC Sports and NBCSN is Sam Flood.

BELMONT STAKES
Date Time Event Network
Fri., June 4 5 p.m. Belmont Stakes Access NBCSN
Sat., June 5 3 p.m. Belmont Stakes Prep NBCSN
Sat., June 5 5 p.m. Belmont Stakes NBC

 

PREAKNESS STAKES COVERAGE ON NBCSPORTS.COM & THE NBC SPORTS APP

NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app will stream live coverage to desktops, mobile, tablets, and connected TVs via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value to their subscription service, and making high-quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. The full HD-quality video stream will come directly from NBC’s broadcasts. NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app are available on the iTunes App Store, Google Play, Windows Store, Roku Channel Store, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox, and Chromecast. NBC Sports.com and the NBC Sports app will provide a full race replay of the Preakness Stakes.

NBC SPORTS AUDIO BELMONT STAKES COVERAGE

In partnership with Horse Racing Radio Network (HRRN), NBC Sports Audio will present live Belmont Stakes coverage beginning Saturday, June 5 at 5 p.m. ET featuring host Mike Penna and analysts Kurt Becker, Tom Leach, and Anthony Stabile. The broadcast will include a simulcast of the live race call by NBC Sports’ Larry Collmus. This is the seventh consecutive year HRRN and NBC Sports have teamed to produce radio coverage of the Triple Crown, which will be available throughout North America on NBC Sports Audio channel on SiriusXM channel 211 along with terrestrial affiliates throughout the United States.  Live streaming and a listing of affiliates can also be accessed via the HRRN website, www.horseracingradio.net. HRRN is available on SiriusXM channels 209 and 201.

NBC SPORTS GROUP AND HORSE RACING: NBC Sports Group is the exclusive home to the most important and prestigious events in horse racing, including the Triple Crown, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Royal Ascot, and Pegasus World Cup Invitational Series. NBC has been the exclusive home of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes since 2001, and the Belmont Stakes since 2011, when NBC Sports Group reassembled the Triple Crown.

–NBC SPORTS–

NBC SPORTS’ PREAKNESS STAKES IS MOST-WATCHED SINCE 2018 & LEADS INTO NBC SPORTS’ MOST-WATCHED NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFF FIRST-ROUND OPENER EVER

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NBC’s Preakness Stakes Coverage Peaked at 8.6 Million Viewers as Rombauer Crossed Finish Line

Bruins-Capitals Overtime Thriller on NBC Registers Total Audience Delivery of 2.31 Million Viewers, Network’s Most-Watched First Round Game 1 on Record; Playoffs Continue with Three Games Tonight    

The Belmont Stakes is Sat., June 5 at 5 p.m. ET on NBC

STAMFORD, Conn. – May 18, 2021 – NBC Sports’ Saturday late afternoon and evening coverage of the 146th Preakness Stakes on NBC followed by the opening game of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs delivered a pair of viewership milestones.

The 146th Preakness Stakes averaged a Total Audience Delivery (TAD) of 7.0 million viewers on Saturday – marking the most-watched broadcast of the event since Triple Crown-winner Justify’s victory in 2018, according to official national data provided by Nielsen and digital data from Adobe Analytics. The 2021 Preakness Stakes TAD nearly tripled last year’s viewership (2.4 million viewers on Oct. 3, 2020) and is up 29% from the last Preakness Stakes held in May (5.4 million on May 18, 2019).

The Preakness Stakes, which peaked at 8.6 million NBC-TV viewers from 6:45-7 p.m. ET as Rombauer ran to victory, led into the Boston Bruins-Washington Capitals opening game of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Capitals’ thrilling 3-2 overtime victory registered a TAD of 2.31 million viewers, ranking as the most-watched Game 1 on record in the first round of the NHL Playoffs since 1995 (regionalized game window on FOX). The game broadcast peaked with 3.14 million TV-only viewers.

Caps-Bruins also ranks as the most-watched game at any point in a First-Round series since Game 6 of the Penguins-Flyers in 2018 (2.4 million on April 22, 2018). NHL Stanley Cup Playoff coverage continues tonight on the networks of NBCUniversal.

NBC presents The 153rd Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 5 at 5 p.m. ET, with coverage beginning at 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

TOP METERED MARKETS FOR 2021 PREAKNESS STAKES (Race Portion)

1. Baltimore 13.8/37
2. Ft. Myers 9.8/20
3. Louisville 9.3/20
4. West Palm Beach 8.9/21
5. Buffalo 8.7/20
6. Knoxville 7.6/14
7. Providence 7.4/17
T8. Indianapolis 7.0/18
T8. Washington, DC 7.0/20
T10. Austin 6.8/20
T10. Pittsburgh 6.8/17

 

TOP METERED MARKETS FOR BRUINS-CAPITALS GAME 1

1. Boston 9.2/21
2. Providence 8.9/18
3. Ft. Myers 4.2/8
4. Pittsburgh 3.9/8
5. Baltimore 3.7/9
6. Washington, DC 3.4/9
7. Buffalo 3.1/6
8. Las Vegas 2.8/7
9. Tampa 2.7/6
10. West Palm Beach 2.5/5

 

–NBC SPORTS–

KENTUCKY DERBY WINNER MEDINA SPIRIT CONTINUES TRIPLE CROWN QUEST AS NBC SPORTS PRESENTS 146th PREAKNESS STAKES THIS SAT., MAY 15 AT 5 P.M. ET ON NBC

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Coverage from Pimlico Begins This Friday at 5 p.m. ET on NBCSN & Continues Saturday at 2 p.m. ET on NBCSN

In-Depth Coverage of Medina Spirit Story, Including Breeding of a $1,000 Horse & Impact of Failed Drug Test on Bob Baffert

Music Sensation 2 Chainz Headlines the Infield at Pimlico

First Game of NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Immediately After Preakness on NBC as Washington Capitals Host Boston Bruins

STAMFORD, Conn. – May 12, 2021 – NBC Sports’ Triple Crown horse racing returns this weekend with live coverage of the 146th Preakness Stakes this Saturday, May 15, at 5 p.m. ET on NBC as Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit, the 9-5 morning line favorite, attempts the next step in his Triple Crown quest.

Game 1 of the First Round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Washington Capitals and the Boston Bruins will air on NBC immediately following the Preakness Stakes.

Coverage from Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Md., begins this Friday, May 14, at 5 p.m. ET on NBCSN with the 97th running of the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, and continues Saturday at 2 p.m. ET on NBCSN. Over the two days, NBC Sports will cover nine races live.

On Saturday, NBC Sports will cover all angles of the Medina Spirit story, including:

    • The impact of the recent news on Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, who will not travel to Baltimore for Saturday’s race
    • Medina Spirit, who was first bought for $1,000 as a yearling and then purchased for $35,000 as a two-year-old, and gave Baffert his seventh career Kentucky Derby win, the most ever by a trainer
      • Baffert also trains Concert Tour (5-2), whose most recent win came in the March 13 Rebel (G2) at Oaklawn
    • Feature on Medina Spirit breeder Gail Rice
    • A Tim Layden essay on all that has gone wrong in horse racing, including issues within the sport and possible solutions
    • Craig Fravel, CEO of 1/ST Racing, will discuss the decision to allow Medina Spirit to run in Saturday’s Preakness Stakes

 

Three horses from the Kentucky Derby will run in Saturday’s Preakness Stakes: winner Medina Spirit, Midnight Bourbon (5-1) and Keepmeinmind (15-1). Ram (30-1), a son of 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, will also run in Saturday’s Preakness field.

Additional highlights of Preakness Stakes coverage Saturday on NBC include:

    • Seven live races on Saturday (two in the NBC Preakness Stakes show)
    • Celebrity picks for the 146th Preakness Stakes
    • A look at the Woodlawn Vase, which is awarded for winning the Preakness Stakes and is the most expensive trophy in North America
    • A camera focused on race caller Larry Collmus

 

In addition, musicians 2 Chainz and D-Nice will rock the infield with performances of their biggest hits throughout the broadcast.

COMMENTATORS:  NBC Sports’ coverage of the Preakness Stakes features host Mike Tirico; analysts Randy Moss and Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey, a two-time Preakness Stakes winner who earned his first Triple Crown victory 30 years ago, in 1991, aboard Hansel; reporter/handicapper Eddie Olczyk; insights analyst Steve Kornacki, who correctly picked Media Spirit as this year’s Kentucky Derby winner; host/reporter Ahmed Fareed; reporters Donna Brothers, Britney Eurton, Laffit Pincay III, and Kenny Rice; and race caller Larry Collmus.

The Preakness Stakes is produced by Lindsay Schanzer and is directed by Sunday Night Football and NBC Sports’ horse racing director Drew Esocoff. The coordinating producer of NBC’s horse racing coverage is Rob Hyland. Executive producer and president, production, NBC Sports and NBCSN is Sam Flood.

PREAKNESS STAKES  
Date Time Event Network  
Fri., May 14 5 p.m. Black-Eyed Susan Stakes NBCSN  
Sat., May 15 2 p.m. Preakness Prep NBCSN  
Sat., May 15 5 p.m. Preakness Stakes NBC  
 

BELMONT STAKES
Date Time Event Network
Fri., June 4 5 p.m. Belmont Stakes Access NBCSN
Sat., June 5 3 p.m. Belmont Stakes Prep NBCSN
Sat., June 5 5 p.m. Belmont Stakes NBC

 

PREAKNESS STAKES COVERAGE ON NBCSPORTS.COM & THE NBC SPORTS APP

NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app will stream live coverage to desktops, mobile, tablets, and connected TVs via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value to their subscription service, and making high-quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. The full HD-quality video stream will come directly from NBC’s broadcasts. NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app are available on the iTunes App Store, Google Play, Windows Store, Roku Channel Store, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox, and Chromecast. NBC Sports.com and the NBC Sports app will provide a full race replay of the Preakness Stakes.

NBC SPORTS AUDIO PREAKNESS STAKES COVERAGE

In partnership with Horse Racing Radio Network (HRRN), NBC Sports Audio will present live Preakness Stakes coverage beginning Saturday, May 15 at 5 p.m. ET featuring host Mike Penna and analysts Kurt Becker, Tom Leach, and Jeff Bloom. The broadcast will include a simulcast of the live race call by NBC Sports’ Larry Collmus. This is the seventh consecutive year HRRN and NBC Sports have teamed to produce radio coverage of the Triple Crown, which will be available throughout North America on NBC Sports Audio channel on SiriusXM channel 211 along with terrestrial affiliates throughout the United States.  Live streaming and a listing of affiliates can also be accessed via the HRRN website, www.horseracingradio.net. HRRN is available on SiriusXM channels 209 and 201.

NBC SPORTS GROUP AND HORSE RACING: NBC Sports Group is the exclusive home to the most important and prestigious events in horse racing, including the Triple Crown, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Royal Ascot, and Pegasus World Cup Invitational Series. NBC has been the exclusive home of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes since 2001, and the Belmont Stakes since 2011, when NBC Sports Group reassembled the Triple Crown.

–NBC SPORTS–

NBC SPORTS DELIVERS 14.5 MILLION VIEWERS FOR KENTUCKY DERBY, AS THE “RUN FOR THE ROSES” RETURNS TO ITS TRADITIONAL FIRST SATURDAY IN MAY DATE

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NBC’s TV-Only Kentucky Derby Coverage Peaked at 15.7 Million Viewers as Medina Spirit Raced to Victory, Delivering Bob Baffert’s Record 7th Kentucky Derby Win

2021 Kentucky Derby Draws More Viewers Than All Awards Shows for First Time Ever & is NBC’s Most-Watched Program since NFL Divisional Playoffs in January

NBC Sports Digital Sets Kentucky Derby Record 

The Preakness Stakes is Sat., May 15 at 5 p.m. ET on NBC

STAMFORD, Conn. – May 4, 2021 – NBC Sports’ presentation of the 147th Kentucky Derby averaged a Total Audience Delivery (TAD) of 14.5 million viewers as the “Run for the Roses” returned to its traditional first Saturday in May date – marking a 54% increase from last year’s event (9.4 million on Sept. 5), according to official national data provided by Nielsen and digital data from Adobe Analytics.

Viewership peaked at 15.7 million viewers from 6:45-7 p.m. ET on NBC as Medina Spirit mounted a wire-to-wire victory and trainer Bob Baffert won the event for a record seventh time.

The TV-only average audience of 14.4 million viewers topped all entertainment awards shows for the first time ever and marked NBC’s most watched broadcast since the NFL Divisional Playoffs in January.

NBC Sports Digital’s presentation of the Kentucky Derby delivered a record Average Minute Audience (AMA) of 139,300 viewers for the event via the NBC Sports app and NBCSports.com.

The NBC-TV household rating for the broadcast (6:31-7:18 p.m. ET) was a 7.1/22.

146TH PREAKNESS STAKES ON NBC SPORTS, MAY 15: In two weeks, Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit attempts the next step in his Triple Crown quest. NBC Sports’ coverage of The 146th Preakness Stakes from Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore, Md., begins Friday, May 14 at 5 p.m. ET on NBCSN.  NBC presents The Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 15 at 5 p.m. ET, with coverage beginning at 2 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

PREAKNESS STAKES COVERAGE
Date Time Event Network
Fri., May 14 5 p.m. Black-Eyed Susan Stakes NBCSN
Sat., May 15 2 p.m. Preakness Saturday NBCSN
Sat., May 15 5 p.m. Preakness Stakes NBC

 

TOP METERED MARKETS FOR 2021 KENTUCKY DERBY (Race Portion)

1. Louisville 28.7/59
2. Ft. Myers 18.2/36
3. Knoxville 16.2/30
4. West Palm Beach 15.5/35
5. Cincinnati 15.1/36
6. Cleveland 14.9/35
7. Detroit 14.0/32
8. Providence 13.3/31
T9. Indianapolis 13.1/32
T9. Buffalo 13.1/29

 

–NBC SPORTS–

JIMMY FALLON, SETH MEYERS & AMBER RUFFIN TO PICK KENTUCKY DERBY WINNERS ACROSS NBC SPORTS’ COVERAGE THIS SAT., MAY 1 AT 2:30 PM ET

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U.S. Track & Field Star Noah Lyles, Reigning 200m World Champion, Among Featured Derby Day Interviews

TODAY, Access Hollywood, Bravo, CNBC and More Celebrate Kentucky Derby Festivities as NBCUniversal Surrounds Derby Day

STAMFORD, Conn. – April 29, 2021 – NBC Sports celebrates the 147th Kentucky Derby, highlighted by a five-hour live NBC broadcast from Churchill Downs at 2:30 p.m. ET this Saturday, May 1. A complete schedule of NBC Sports Group’s exclusive coverage of the Kentucky Derby is available here.

In preparation for the Derby, NBC Sports asked a number of celebrities and NBCUniversal personalities for their horse picks, including Jimmy Fallon (The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon), Seth Meyers (Late Night with Seth Meyers), Amber Ruffin (The Amber Ruffin Show), and more. Their picks will be revealed across NBC Sports’ social media platforms and on-air during NBC’s Kentucky Derby broadcast on Saturday.

During Saturday’s Derby coverage, Mike Tirico and Sanya Richards-Ross will interview U.S. Track & Field star and reigning 200m World Champion Noah Lyles, who is expected to compete in this summer’s Tokyo Olympics. Jac Collinsworth will interview singer Tori Kelly, who will perform the national anthem before the Kentucky Derby, and Collinsworth and Richards-Ross will speak with renowned chef Edward Lee, who is based in Lexington, Kentucky.

Viewers are encouraged to take the party online and post their home Derby Party experiences using #KYDerby this Saturday.

ON HER TURF: The On Her Turf Instagram account will present social media coverage this week, including an Instagram takeover with NBC’s Kentucky Derby reporter Britney Eurton during the Kentucky Oaks on Friday.

EVERY PLATFORM, EVERY MOMENT: NBC Sports will be everywhere on every social media platform during Derby Week, bringing fans closer to the first leg of the Triple Crown. Follow @NBCSports on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for live looks around Churchill Downs at this once-in-a-lifetime event.

A wide range of NBCUniversal properties joined NBC Sports Group in celebrating the cultural and entertainment spectacle that is the Kentucky Derby. A summary of Kentucky Derby Week activities and activations are below:

THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW: Kentucky Derby themed segments with Derby Party & Mint Juleps.

ACCESS HOLLYWOOD & ACCESS DAILY: Derby Party Segment: Food & Drink.

TODAY: Extensive Kentucky Derby coverage & segments throughout the week.

CNBC: CNBC reporter Frank Holland will be on-site reporting for CNBC’s business day programming and “The News with Shepard Smith.”

THE TONIGHT SHOW: Returns a special “Puppy Predictor” segment.

BRAVO: Bravo’s Hit Reality Show, Summer House aired a full Derby-focused episode entitled “Derby Days” on April 15.

NBC SPORTS EDGE: “Bet the Edge,” NBC Sports EDGE’s new daily sports betting podcast, continues to have daily Kentucky Derby segments throughout the week. Steve Kornacki, NBC News’ and MSNBC’s celebrated national political correspondent who will join NBC Sports’ Kentucky Derby coverage this Saturday, will join Friday’s show.

PEACOCK, NBC AFFILIATES, OWNED STATIONS AND NBC SPORTS REGIONAL NETWORKS: Will feature Kentucky Derby-focused talent interviews throughout the week.

NBC Sports kicks off more than 13 hours of Kentucky Derby Week action tomorrow, Friday, April 30 with live coverage of the Kentucky Oaks beginning at Noon ET on NBCSN. Saturday’s live Derby coverage begins with Kentucky Derby Prep at Noon ET on NBCSN. In total, NBC Sports will televise 17 live races.

Earlier this week, NBC Sports’ Kentucky Derby team previewed Saturday’s race on a media conference call. Click here for the transcript.

NBC SPORTS AUDIO: In partnership with Horse Racing Radio Network (HRRN), NBC Sports Audio Network will present live Kentucky Derby coverage beginning Saturday, May 1 at 5 p.m. ET featuring host Mike Penna and analysts Kurt Becker, Tom Leach, Jeff Bloom and Dan Mason. The broadcast will include a simulcast of the live race call by NBC Sports’ Larry Collmus. This is the seventh consecutive year HRRN and NBC Sports have teamed to produce radio coverage of the Triple Crown, which will be available throughout North America on NBC Sports Audio channel on SiriusXM channel 211 along with terrestrial affiliates throughout the United States.  Live streaming and a listing of affiliates can also be accessed via the HRRN website, www.horseracingradio.net. HRRN is available on SiriusXM channels 209 and 201.

KENTUCKY DERBY COVERAGE ON NBCSPORTS.COM & THE NBC SPORTS APP: NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app will stream live coverage to desktops, mobile, tablets, and connected TVs via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value to their subscription service, and making high-quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. The full HD-quality video stream will come directly from NBC’s broadcasts. NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app are available on the iTunes App Store, Google Play, Windows Store, Roku Channel Store, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox, and Chromecast. NBC Sports.com, the NBC Sports app, and Peacock – NBCUniversal’s streaming service – will provide a full race replay of the Kentucky Derby.

NBC SPORTS GROUP AND HORSE RACING: NBC Sports Group is the exclusive home to the most important and prestigious events in horse racing, including the Triple Crown, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Royal Ascot, and Pegasus World Cup Invitational Series. NBC has been the exclusive home of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes since 2001, and the Belmont Stakes since 2011, when NBC Sports Group reassembled the Triple Crown.

–NBC SPORTS–

NBC SPORTS PRESENTS 147TH KENTUCKY DERBY WITH FIVE-HOUR SHOW THIS SATURDAY, MAY 1, LIVE AT 2:30 P.M. ET ON NBC

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Six Hours of Live Kentucky Oaks Coverage Begins This Friday, April 30 at Noon ET on NBCSN; Saturday’s Coverage Kicks Off with Kentucky Derby Prep at Noon ET on NBCSN

NBC Sports Marks 20th Anniversary of Its First Kentucky Derby Coverage

Live Drone and Two Live Jockey Cam Systems Make Kentucky Derby Debut

All Coverage Livestreamed on NBCSports.com & the NBC Sports app

STAMFORD, Conn. – April 26, 2021 – NBC Sports presents the 147th Kentucky Derby this Saturday, May 1 at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC live from Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Road to the Triple Crown begins this week, highlighted by NBC’s live five-hour Kentucky Derby Day telecast this Saturday, May 1 at 2:30 p.m. ET. NBC Sports kicks off more than 13 hours of Kentucky Derby Week action this Friday, April 30 with live coverage of the Kentucky Oaks beginning at Noon ET on NBCSN. Saturday’s live Derby coverage begins with Kentucky Derby Prep at Noon ET on NBCSN. In total, NBC Sports will televise 17 live races.

This weekend’s Derby marks the 20th anniversary of NBC Sports’ first Kentucky Derby coverage in 2001, which was won by Monarchos. NBC Sports reporters Donna Brothers and Kenny Rice have covered the Kentucky Derby every year for NBC since 2001. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of analyst Jerry Bailey’s Kentucky Derby win on Grindstone in 1996.

The 2021 Kentucky Derby features likely favorite Essential Quality, who was named 2020’s Champion two-year-old male and is undefeated in his career, and this year’s Louisiana Derby winner Hot Rod Charlie. With a win in this year’s Kentucky Derby, Bob Baffert – who trains Medina Spirit in Saturday’s field – would earn his seventh career Derby victory, breaking a tie with Ben Jones for the most ever by a trainer.

COMMENTATORS: NBC Sports Group’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby features host Mike Tirico, who is hosting Derby coverage for the fifth time; analysts Jerry Bailey, the Hall of Fame jockey and two-time Kentucky Derby winner, and Randy Moss; handicapper/reporter Eddie Olczyk; host/reporter Ahmed Fareed; reporters Britney Eurton, Donna Brothers, Kenny Rice, and Laffit Pincay III; and race caller Larry Collmus.

NBC Sports’ Jac Collinsworth makes his Kentucky Derby debut as a reporter from Churchill Downs, and four-time Olympic gold medal-winning sprinter Sanya Richards-Ross will join NBC Sports’ 2021 Kentucky Derby coverage as a lifestyle and fashion correspondent. Steve Kornacki, NBC News’ and MSNBC’s celebrated national political correspondent, will join NBC Sports’ 2021 Kentucky Derby coverage as an insights analyst.

The coordinating producer of NBC’s horse racing coverage is Rob Hyland, who has been a part of the network’s horse racing coverage since 2001. The Kentucky Derby is directed by Drew Esocoff. The coverage on NBCSN is produced by Billy Matthews and directed by Kaare Numme. Executive producer and president, production, NBC Sports and NBCSN is Sam Flood.

Highlights of Kentucky Derby coverage Saturday on NBC include:

    • Five live races in the NBC Kentucky Derby show (nine live races in Saturday’s full coverage)
    • Mike Tirico’s championship discussion with Bill Belichick, six-time Super Bowl winner as New England Patriots head coach, and Bob Baffert, six-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer
    • Tirico’s one-on-one discussion with Baffert, who is aiming to become the winningest trainer in Kentucky Derby history
    • Feature on the family of trainer Steve Asmussen, who trains Super Stock and Midnight Bourbon in this year’s Derby field. Keith Asmussen, Steve’s father, co-owns Super Stock
    • Jac Collinsworth tells the story of Kentucky Derby qualifier Hot Rod Charlie and his connections, highlighting five Brown University football teammates who made the initial $110,000 investment in the horse
    • Tim Layden essays, including one on Canonero II, who had one of the biggest Derby upsets 50 years ago, rallying from 18th place to win the 1971 Kentucky Derby by 3¾ lengths
    • Tom Hammond’s retrospective as NBC Sports marks the 20th anniversary of its first Kentucky Derby coverage
    • For the first time, a live drone and two live jockey cam systems will be utilized in Derby coverage (among 50 total cameras)
    • NBC Sports’ backstretch bat cam returns for the first time since 2019, offering a perspective from 15-18 feet above the track and traveling up to 80 mph
    • A camera focused on race caller Larry Collmus
    • NBC Sports EDGE’s Matt Bernier to provide betting-focused articles and video previews throughout the week
    • NBC Sports EDGE’s new sports betting-focused podcast, ‘Bet the Edge,’ hosted by Sara Perlman, launched today and will have daily Kentucky Derby segments throughout the week. Click here to listen to the debut episode as Eddie Olczyk joins the show to discuss handicapping Saturday’s Kentucky Derby

 

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

KENTUCKY DERBY  
Date Time Event Network  
Fri., April 30 Noon Kentucky Oaks NBCSN  
Sat., May 1 Noon Kentucky Derby Prep NBCSN  
Sat., May 1 2:30 p.m. Kentucky Derby NBC  
 

PREAKNESS STAKES

  
Date Time Event Network  
Fri., May 14 5 p.m. Black-Eyed Susan Stakes NBCSN  
Sat., May 15 2 p.m. Preakness Prep NBCSN  
Sat., May 15 5 p.m. Preakness Stakes NBC  
 

BELMONT STAKES
Date Time Event Network
Fri., June 4 5 p.m. Belmont Stakes Access NBCSN
Sat., June 5 3 p.m. Belmont Stakes Prep NBCSN
Sat., June 5 5 p.m. Belmont Stakes NBC

 

KENTUCKY DERBY COVERAGE ON NBCSPORTS.COM & THE NBC SPORTS APP

NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app will stream live coverage to desktops, mobile, tablets, and connected TVs via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value to their subscription service, and making high-quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. The full HD-quality video stream will come directly from NBC’s broadcasts. NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app are available on the iTunes App Store, Google Play, Windows Store, Roku Channel Store, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox, and Chromecast. NBC Sports.com, the NBC Sports app, and Peacock – NBCUniversal’s streaming service – will provide a full race replay of the Kentucky Derby.

 NBC SPORTS AUDIO KENTUCKY DERBY COVERAGE

In partnership with Horse Racing Radio Network (HRRN), NBC Sports Audio Network will present live Kentucky Derby coverage beginning Saturday, May 1 at 5 p.m. ET featuring host Mike Penna and analysts Kurt Becker, Tom Leach, Jeff Bloom and Dan Mason. The broadcast will include a simulcast of the live race call by NBC Sports’ Larry Collmus. This is the seventh consecutive year HRRN and NBC Sports have teamed to produce radio coverage of the Triple Crown, which will be available throughout North America on NBC Sports Audio channel on SiriusXM channel 211 along with terrestrial affiliates throughout the United States.  Live streaming and a listing of affiliates can also be accessed via the HRRN website, www.horseracingradio.net. HRRN is available on SiriusXM channels 209 and 201.

NBC SPORTS GROUP AND HORSE RACING: NBC Sports Group is the exclusive home to the most important and prestigious events in horse racing, including the Triple Crown, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Royal Ascot, and Pegasus World Cup Invitational Series. NBC has been the exclusive home of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes since 2001, and the Belmont Stakes since 2011, when NBC Sports Group reassembled the Triple Crown.

–NBC SPORTS–

STEVE KORNACKI JOINS NBC SPORTS’ KENTUCKY DERBY COVERAGE, THIS SAT., MAY 1 AT 2:30 PM ET ON NBC

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Kornacki Available on NBC Sports’ Conference Call Tomorrow, Tues., April 27 at 2 p.m. ET

 STAMFORD, Conn. – April 26, 2021 – Steve Kornacki, NBC News’ and MSNBC’s celebrated national political correspondent, will join NBC Sports’ 2021 Kentucky Derby coverage this Saturday, May 1 at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

Kornacki, who has been widely lauded for his ability to easily communicate the complex election process, will apply his unique analytical perspective in “Meet the Contenders” segments on the Kentucky Derby field. In addition, he will offer insight on notable betting trends.

Last fall, Kornacki brought his election-style coverage to Football Night in America, breaking down the NFL playoff picture.

“After successfully tackling FNIA, we’re excited to have Steve join our Kentucky Derby team,” said Rob Hyland, Coordinating Producer of NBC Sports’ Kentucky Derby coverage and Football Night in America. “We expect he will be right at home working a sport that includes terms like neck-and-neck, down-to-the-wire, and dead heat.”

“It’s going to be a thrill to be at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May, something I’ve wanted to do since the very first Derby I watched as a kid in 1987,” Kornacki said. “To get to play a role with the NBC Sports team, which I’ve been a fan of for years, is an honor.”

Kornacki, who will be making his first trip to Churchill Downs, is a native of Groton, Massachusetts, and regularly attended races at nearby Suffolk Downs and Rockingham Park in his teens and as a Boston University student. One of his earliest horse racing memories came when an uncle took him to the harness races at Scarborough Downs in Maine. He picked five consecutive winners. It’s a performance he’s spent the last three decades trying to replicate.

For more information on Steve Kornacki, click here.

NBC SPORTS GROUP AND HORSE RACING: NBC Sports Group is the exclusive home to the most important and prestigious events in horse racing, including the Triple Crown, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Royal Ascot, and Pegasus World Cup Invitational Series. NBC has been the exclusive home of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes since 2001, and the Belmont Stakes since 2011, when NBC Sports Group reassembled the Triple Crown.

– NBC SPORTS –