Complete Triple Crown set for NBC

[Merlinsky]

Originally Posted by Danzig

no, which was my point. i think them getting into the nfl helped make what that sport is today. it was big growing up, but that sport is huuuge now. espn, sad to say, is a force in sports. can't help but think that if they got bigger into racing, racing would reap some dividends.

But they were in it. They used to be involved more and have been scaling back. We took a back seat to Little League baseball and hockey for awhile there. I once saw them air a spelling bee instead of an important horse race. What passes for sports on ESPN is dicey sometimes. Poker and pool shouldn't qualify. It doesn't mean they can't do a good job with racing. I just don't think they want to spend much time on it these days.

[Alan07]

NBC had no comment regarding this week’s developments, but concerning broadcasting the Preakness and Belmont, NBC Sports spokesman Adam Freifeld said February 4, “NBC is always interested in great properties.”

Part of any negotiation involving the Preakness on May 21 could be the broadcast of the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2) on the preceding day at Pimlico Race Course. New for this year at Frank Stronach-owned tracks is a $5.5-million bonus tying races for three-year-olds with the Preakness and a $2.2-million bonus for three-year-old fillies and the Black-Eyed Susan.

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/rac...ont-talks.aspx

[jms62]

NBC showing the entire undercard.

http://www.kentuckyderby.com/watch

[MaTH716]

Originally Posted by jms62

NBC showing the entire undercard.

http://www.kentuckyderby.com/watch

Wow, that's good news. The only thing that would make it better would be if instead of the "Red Carpet fluff Show",they aired some sort of comprehensive preview show previewing the races, different betting opportunities and angles.
But I guess beggars shouldn't be choosey and just be happy with the coverage they are giving.

[jms62]

Originally Posted by MaTH716

Wow, that's good news. The only thing that would make it better would be if instead of the "Red Carpet fluff Show",they aired some sort of comprehensive preview show previewing the races, different betting opportunities and angles.
But I guess beggars shouldn't be choosey and just be happy with the coverage they are giving.

I always get stressed about undercard coverage since we always have a derby party. I don't have access to HRTV. Glad its put to bed early.

[Alan07]

I thought they moved the Eight Belles to Friday?

[Riot]

NBC will do a good job for the general public. They respect horse racing. They will advertise the series heavily on their channels pre-events. Good PR to get it back in front of the public in a consistent, predictable way for two months. Glad to see it.

[Merlinsky]

Originally Posted by jms62

NBC showing the entire undercard.

http://www.kentuckyderby.com/watch

Glad we don't have to spend any time during/after the Derby coverage griping about how, if they'd just turned around, a graded race was going on right behind them.

[justindew]

Originally Posted by Merlinsky

Glad we don't have to spend any time during/after the Derby coverage griping about how, if they'd just turned around, a graded race was going on right behind them.

Not so fast. From 4-5pm, they are showing the red carpet stuff. It would not surprise me at all if we still miss a live race. I guess it would be the Woodford Reserve.

[Travis Stone]

NBC saw opportunity in demographics many did not expect, hence the Oaks on Bravo etc.