NBC to broadcast a half-dozen Derby preps this year
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from the Louisville Courier-Journal:
LEXINGTON, Ky. Churchill Downs Inc. is paying up to $2 million for NBC Sports to telecast a series of Kentucky Derby prep races this year in an effort to promote thoroughbred racing and build the Derby brand.
Churchill and NBC Sports on Monday announced the partnership, which includes three one-hour Road to the Kentucky Derby broadcasts two on NBC and one on the USA Network.
The series will show the Louisiana Derby from Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots, the Lane's End Stakes from Turfway Park, the Santa Anita Derby from Santa Anita Park, the Wood Memorial from Aqueduct, the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes from Keeneland Race Course and the Arkansas Derby from Oaklawn Park.
The deal is for one year, but Churchill hopes to make it a multiyear effort, spokeswoman Liz Harris said. This is something we'd like to build on.
NBC's contract to show the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes expires this year, as does the Belmont Stakes' contract with ABC and ESPN.
The Derby prep series is an outgrowth of what Churchill and network officials are dubbing their big event strategy, featuring the stories, fashions and celebrities of the Derby in addition to the race. It's also an outgrowth of the decision to air the Kentucky Oaks last year on NBC's Bravo network to attract more women and younger viewers.
LEXINGTON, Ky. Churchill Downs Inc. is paying up to $2 million for NBC Sports to telecast a series of Kentucky Derby prep races this year in an effort to promote thoroughbred racing and build the Derby brand.
Churchill and NBC Sports on Monday announced the partnership, which includes three one-hour Road to the Kentucky Derby broadcasts two on NBC and one on the USA Network.
The series will show the Louisiana Derby from Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots, the Lane's End Stakes from Turfway Park, the Santa Anita Derby from Santa Anita Park, the Wood Memorial from Aqueduct, the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes from Keeneland Race Course and the Arkansas Derby from Oaklawn Park.
The deal is for one year, but Churchill hopes to make it a multiyear effort, spokeswoman Liz Harris said. This is something we'd like to build on.
NBC's contract to show the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes expires this year, as does the Belmont Stakes' contract with ABC and ESPN.
The Derby prep series is an outgrowth of what Churchill and network officials are dubbing their big event strategy, featuring the stories, fashions and celebrities of the Derby in addition to the race. It's also an outgrowth of the decision to air the Kentucky Oaks last year on NBC's Bravo network to attract more women and younger viewers.