Where To Watch The Kentucky Derby

By Ryan

For those of you interested (I’m mostly talking to you, degenerate gamblers and C-list celebrities in ugly hats), the Kentucky Derby is this Saturday on NBC. I really can’t tell you anything about this year’s Derby, other than every day this week it seems like some potential favorite has been scratched due to injury. Are there even any horses left in this thing? I Want Revenge as been installed as the 3-1 favorite. I’m taking Papa Clem at 20-1. What the hell. I like his name. He’ll probably have to be put down right on the track.

Here’s some info on NBC’s coverage, with ESPN and even Bravo’s (!) supporting programming after the jump:

NBC Sports broadcasts exclusive coverage of the 135th Kentucky Derby this Saturday, May 2, starting at 4pm ET. NBC Sports’ broadcast will bring the spectacle of the Kentucky Derby, which has been contested annually since 1875, home to viewers with behind-the-scenes access, celebrities and fashion surrounding the legendary Run for the Roses. The Red Carpet will feature celebrity interviews as the stars arrive to Churchill Downs to enjoy the greatest day in horse racing. Bob Costas and Tom Hammond cohost the Derby alongside three-time Derby winner Gary Stevens. NBC Sports’ broadcast team also includes race-caller Tom Durkin; contributing analysts Mike Battaglia and Bob Neumeier; reporter Kenny Rice and on-track reporter Donna Brothers, who retired in 1998 after an impressive 11-year career as a jockey. The Kentucky Derby on NBC is produced by Flood and directed by Michaels.  Additionally, the TODAY show’s Al Roker will contribute reports and Nancy O’Dell, cohost of Access Hollywood, and Tiki Barber of Football Night in America will handle Red Carpet arrivals.

Kentucky Derby Coverage on ESPN — On Saturday, May 2, ESPN airs Today at the Kentucky Derby at 12pm ET, followed by the Kentucky Derby Special at 2:30pm. Both shows originate from Churchill Downs.

Ladies First: Bravo at the Kentucky Derby — Bravo will feature the very best in food, fashion and the celebrity experience associated with the great spectacle of Kentucky Derby weekend including Kentucky Oaks 135 on Ladies First: Bravo at the Kentucky Derby, a one-hour special produced by NBC Sports, live this Friday, May 1,  at 5pm ET/PT. The special, hosted by NBC’s Costas, Access Hollywood‘s O’Dell, and The Real Housewives of New York City‘s Bethenny Frankel, daughter of horse trainer Bobby Frankel, celebrates a day for women and gives viewers a history on the fashion and festivities before and after the Oaks race. NBC’s Barber will check in live from the Infield Club with Top Chef series five finalist Stefan Richter, and season four and five Top Chef winners Stephanie Izard and Hosea Rosenberg. Top Chef: The Tour, a state-of-the-art customized traveling kitchen with expansive space to accommodate cooks and fans alike, will make a special stop at the Kentucky Oaks — in the Infield Club.

Photo: Credit: Kinetic Corporation/NBC

About Ryan Berenz 2166 Articles
Member of the Television Critics Association. Charter member of the Ancient and Mystic Society of No Homers. Squire of the Ancient & Benevolent Order of the Lynx, Lodge 49, Long Beach, Calif. Costco Wholesale Gold Star Member since 2011.