NBC posted a 10.8 overnight rating for the race segment of Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, marking the best figure for the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown in 23 years. American Pharoah’s win from 6:15-7:15pm ET was the best since ABC drew a 10.9 overnight in ’92 for Lil E Tee’s win. The 10.8 rating also is up 7% from a 10.1 for California Chrome’s win in '14, and marks the third straight year that the Derby has drawn over a 10.0 overnight. Louisville once again led all markets with a 35.0 local rating, down from a 37.8 rating last year. Louisville was followed by Ft. Myers-Naples (19.7) and Cincinnati (17.7) (Austin Karp, Assistant Managing Editor).
DERBY OR DUEL? In Tampa, Tom Jones writes in terms of which event was covered best, Saturday afternoon's Kentucky Derby on NBC or Saturday night's Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Manny Pacquiao bout on PPV, there is "no question" it was the Derby. NBC's "fast-paced direction and production are masterful, and it's must-see TV for even non-horse people." Reporters Kenny Rice, Donna Brothers and Mike Battaglia "were superb and were joined this year by Ed Olczyk, who normally is seen on NBC's hockey coverage." Olczyk "added a fresh, knowledgeable perspective." The main set of Tom Hammond, Randy Moss and Jerry Bailey "brings strong nuts and bolts." It also "was cool to have Kentucky native Ashley Judd narrate the opening" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 5/4). In N.Y., Phil Mushnick writes NBC thoroughbred reporter Bob Neumeier "returned via remote" during the Derby after an October stroke "followed by nearly six hours of surgery." He "looked good, [and] sounded strong" (N.Y. POST, 5/4).
