NBC Sports announces partnership to broadcast 6 Kentucky Derby prep races

Road to the Derby to be televised on NBC

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — NBC Sports has announced a partnership to televise a half-dozen key prep races this spring leading up to the Kentucky Derby on May 1.

The announcement Monday by NBC Sports and Churchill Downs Inc. includes three one-hour broadcasts — two on NBC and one on USA Network. The broadcasts will include the Louisiana Derby, Lane’s End Stakes, Santa Anita Derby, Wood Memorial, Bluegrass Stakes and Arkansas Derby.

Each of the one-hour “Road to the Kentucky Derby” broadcasts will feature the races and handicapping segments as well as lifestyle elements designed to broaden the audience.

Churchill Downs Inc. president Bob Evans says the approach focuses on the fan’s entire racing experience by including food, fashion and celebrity.

The Kentucky Derby will be televised on NBC Sports, a unit of General Electric Co.