Record broadcasters for 150th Kentucky Derby
May 2, 2024
The Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve, takes place on May 4th where the most promising three-year-old thoroughbreds come together to compete for a $5 million purse.
Celebrating its 150th anniversary at Churchill Downs Racetrack, this monumental occasion, which marks the first leg of the US Triple Crown, has secured global recognition with more broadcasters than ever before showcasing coverage of the event.
NBCU and HBA have worked closely on the international media rights distribution to attain unprecedented global coverage for the Kentucky Derby with 21 broadcast outlets, plus various news agencies, reaching over 170 territories.
Host broadcaster NBC will be live and on course with Nick Luck and Britney Eurton at the helm of a multi-hour broadcast on their network channel for millions of fans in the US, of which two hours thirty minutes will be dedicated to the feature race.
Audiences in South America will continue to be serviced by ESPN, who have extended their exclusive agreement which covers Australia, Caribbean and New Zealand.
Amplified by the 150th celebrations, the Kentucky Derby has attracted numerous first-time broadcasters, who will be transmitting live racing coverage. In Canada, Rogers have acquired the rights to bring the race to a huge audience on its free to air network – Citytv. Audiences in the UK can watch on Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing (UK and Ireland). Long-term racing supporters Virgin Media will broadcast the event in Ireland once again, and SuperSport have renewed their deal to bring the event to 48 territories across sub-Saharan Africa.
New in 2024, horse racing fans will be able to watch the Kentucky Derby in over 47 territories through EuroVision who have committed to a schedule of elite international racing. Strong European distribution is supported by S Sport (Turkey), Polsat (Poland), CYTA (Cyprus), WeDo Sports (Germany, Switzerland, Austria), Silknet (Georgia) and Setanta (Baltics and Eurasia). TransVision (Indonesia), NTV (Mongolia) and Sony Pictures Network (Indian Subcontinent) will debut the race in Asia.
News agencies Reuters and SNTV will distribute the coverage around the globe, while TransWorld Sport – the popular long-running sports magazine show – will feature the Kentucky Derby for its upcoming global programme. Sport24 will also make the race available on 12 airlines and 18 cruise ships worldwide.
Patrick Troutman, VP at Churchill Downs, commented: “The Kentucky Derby has long been a global brand with international appeal. We’re excited to have the opportunity to bring all the thrills of the milestone 150th Run for the Roses to our fans around the world.”
“We are excited to bring our best-in-class production to the largest group of international partners ever for this milestone 150th Kentucky Derby,” said Gary Quinn, NBC Sports Vice President of Programming and General Manager of Owned Properties.
Frank Sale, Managing Director of HBA Media, added: “We are delighted to have secured several new broadcasters for the much-anticipated Kentucky Derby. The extensive worldwide audience are set to witness the most spectacular celebrations that mark the 150th running and will get the opportunity to enjoy one of the greatest US sporting.”