NBC Sports Group Derby Coverage

[Alan07]

The NBC Sports Group will present 14½ hours of Kentucky Derby coverage beginning on Wednesday, May 2 at 4 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network and culminating with the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby on NBC, Saturday, May 5 beginning at 4 p.m. ET.

The expanded Kentucky Derby coverage, which includes 8.5 hours on Derby Day on NBC and NBC Sports Network, will include:

COMENTATORS: The NBC Sports Group coverage of the Kentucky Derby will feature co-hosts Bob Costas, a 22-time Emmy Award-winner, and veteran NBC Sports commentator Tom Hammond; three-time Kentucky Derby winner Gary Stevens; contributing analysts/handicappers Mike Battaglia and Bob Neumeier; analyst Randy Moss; host Laffit Pincay, III; reporters Kenny Rice, Donna Brothers and Jay Privman; race caller Larry Collmus.

Additionally, Hall-of Fame jockey and two-time Kentucky Derby-winner Jerry Bailey will join NBC Sports Network’s commentary team on Derby Day. Bailey, who also won twice in the Preakness and twice in the Belmont, won the Kentucky Derby in 1993 (Sea Hero) and 1996 (Grindstone).

NBC SPORTS GROUP "LIVE" DERBY COVERAGE (All Times ET):

Wed. May 2 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Kentucky Derby Draw NBCSN
Thur. May 3 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Live From Churchill Downs NBCSN
Fri. May 4 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Kentucky Oaks 138 NBCSN
SATURDAY, MAY 5:
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Live From Churchill Downs (Races 2-9) NBCSN
4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Kentucky Derby 138 (includes Turf Classic) NBC / nbcsports.com
7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Kentucky Derby Post-Race Show NBCSN

[Riot]

I like that on the general NBC channel, they have been running commercials for the Derby for two months, putting horse racing in the public's eye. They have always done the best, most-aggressive advertising to the "average joe" public. Yes, the handicapper won't like the coverage of hats and celebrities, and feel-good horse stories, but the general public does. And this sport needs every voting friend in the general fund it can garner.

[bigjag0716]

I like that they have all this coverage, what I don't like is how the camera angles of the derby are, I understand you want to get an up close look, but a lot of the time, you cannot see most of the field or who the hell is moving up.

[South Beach Luv]

No Katie Mikolay?

[Uncle Daddy]

Another year of smug Bob Costas weaving in baseball analogies and feigning any ineterst in the game. Rest of the crew at least puts in a full effort

Originally Posted by bigjag0716

I like that they have all this coverage, what I don't like is how the camera angles of the derby are, I understand you want to get an up close look, but a lot of the time, you cannot see most of the field or who the hell is moving up.

Exactly. They have done this since the early 90's and it annoys me every time. Less camera angles the better. If they must have to show every angle, show it during the replay when the commentators analyze the race, not during the live race. They dont show different angles in NBA, NFL, MLB during the live game, only on the replays.

[free25]

u know we forever miss Jim McKay!!!

[Danzig]

i'll probably be on the river saturday, so i'll dvr it again this year. fast forward thru all the bs to the post parade, and then the race. hours of tedium gone, with only the meat and potatoes to watch!