Maximum Security (center-right) finished the Kentucky Derby first, before eventually being disqualifiedGETTY IMAGES
NBC focused on the "human element" during its coverage of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday following the controversy surrounding Country Store's win, as cameras "captured the key jockeys and trainers’ emotional roller coasters," according to Jacob Feldman of SI.com. NBC analysts Randy Moss and Jerry Bailey "discussed the infraction and traced the decision in front of the stewards." NBC Sports Producer Rob Hyland "planned for situations like Saturday, and the team had met with the stewards in the past as part of its prep work." NBC host Mike Tirico said that the broadcast "kept things particularly simple knowing that many viewers were only the most casual of racing fans" (SI.com, 5/5).
DIFFERENT KIND OF DRAMA: In Phoenix, Bill Goodykoontz wrote NBC's "swollen, overdone coverage of the Kentucky Derby took a backseat to actual news Saturday." This made viewers "forget the hours of coverage of the big floppy hats." The interviews NBC conducted "paid off." Luis Saez, Maximum Security’s jockey, was "elated right after the race, saying it was his dream to win the Derby." Moments later he would be "walking off, dejected." Goodykoontz: "That was great TV. ... And there was far too little of it" (AZCENTRAL.com, 5/4).
