NBC Sports has announced that its coverage of the 2009 Preakness Stakes for thoroughbreds on Saturday, May 16 were way up
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Via release, NBS Sports stated that overnight ratings of the event were up 27% from last year; that the ratings were the highest since 2004, and that the ratings were the second highest in 19 years. The successful Preakness broadcast followed up what was the most-watched Kentucky Derby in 20 years
NBC Sports attributes the spike in numbers to both its broad promotional effort of the event -- particularly to reach casual fans -- and the compelling storyline of Rachel Alexandra, which became the first filly to capture the Preakness in 85 years.
Rachel Alexandra's gutsy performance in the Preakness follows up the intriguing storyline of Mine That Bird, the 50-1 Kentucky Derby longshot that splashed along the rail to take the prestigious 'Run for the Roses.'
Click here to read more on the Preakness telecast numbers.
(With files from NBC Sports)
Maybe coverage of the Rolex
Maybe coverage of the Rolex FEI event highlights the hour buildup to the Preakness helped the ratings- well in the US anyway- Bell decided to air vacuum cleaner infommercials instead- horse racing once again to the back of the bus.
Dave Perkins
I'm not a fan of
I'm not a fan of thoroughbreds as a rule but those two races - the Derby and the Preakness has really opened my eyes. The hype and the press really makes you want to be part of it. I hope it draws the same interest for the Belmont.