As the countdown to the Kentucky Derby nears, NBC announced coverage plans that include 14 hours throughout the week and a record five hour telecast on NBC on Saturday beginning at 2:30p, with programming starting at noon on NBCSN. Highlights will include live coverage of 20 races across Thursday, Friday and Saturday with ten live races during NBCSN and NBC Derby Day coverage including five live races in the NBC show. For first time ever at Triple Crown race, NBC Sports will utilize an aerial camera over the full backstretch, which will offer a perspective of 15-18 feet above the track and travel up to 80 MPH with more than 50 additional cameras will be used overall, including a helmet camera on the outrider.
Bob Costas hosts with Mike Tirico, NBCSN host Laffit Pincay, II, analysts Randy Moss and Jerry Bailey, the Hall of Fame jockey and two-time Kentucky Derby winner, handicappers Eddie Olczyk and Britney Eurton and race caller Larry Collmus. Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski reprise their roles as fashion and lifestyle experts along with NBC News weather anchor and correspondent Dylan Dreyer; and NBC Sports Group’s NASCAR features reporter Rutledge Wood returns. Tim Layden of Sports Illustrated will also contribute to NBC Sports Group’s coverage.
