The Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most popular and prestigious horse races in the world, held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It is the first leg of the Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. The Kentucky Derby is known as the "Run for the Roses" because the winner is awarded a blanket of roses and is considered the most valuable horse in the world.
History of the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby was first run in 1875 and has been held every year since, except in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The race is steeped in tradition and is attended by celebrities, politicians, and horse racing enthusiasts from around the world. The Kentucky Derby is known for its fashion, with women wearing elaborate hats and men dressed in seersucker suits. The race has produced many legendary horses, including Secretariat, Seattle Slew, and American Pharoah.
Broadcast Rights of the Kentucky Derby
The broadcast rights for the Kentucky Derby are owned by NBC Sports, which has exclusive coverage of the race. NBC Sports has been broadcasting the Kentucky Derby since 2001 and provides comprehensive coverage of the race, with pre-race analysis, interviews with jockeys and trainers, and post-race analysis. NBC Sports also provides coverage of the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes, completing the Triple Crown coverage.
Television Coverage of the Kentucky Derby
The television coverage of the Kentucky Derby is extensive, with NBC Sports broadcasting the race on its main network and its cable channels, including NBC Sports Network and CNBC. The Kentucky Derby is also streamed live on the NBC Sports app and on NBCSports.com. The coverage begins in the morning with pre-race analysis and continues throughout the day, with the race typically starting in the late afternoon.
Channels to Watch the Kentucky Derby on TV
The Kentucky Derby can be watched on NBC Sports, NBC Sports Network, and CNBC. Most cable and satellite providers carry these channels, so viewers can watch the race on their television sets. The NBC Sports app and NBCSports.com also provide live streaming of the race, so viewers can watch the race on their smartphones, tablets, or computers.
Can You Watch the Kentucky Derby on Cable TV?
Yes, the Kentucky Derby can be watched on cable TV. NBC Sports, NBC Sports Network, and CNBC are all cable channels that carry the race. Most cable and satellite providers include these channels in their packages, so viewers can watch the race on their television sets.
Can You Watch the Kentucky Derby on Pay-Per-View?
No, the Kentucky Derby is not available on pay-per-view. The race is broadcast exclusively by NBC Sports, which has the rights to the race. Viewers can watch the race on NBC Sports, NBC Sports Network, and CNBC, or on the NBC Sports app or NBCSports.com.
Can You Watch the Kentucky Derby on Streaming Platforms?
Yes, the Kentucky Derby can be watched on streaming platforms. The race is streamed live on the NBC Sports app and on NBCSports.com. Viewers can watch the race on their smartphones, tablets, or computers, as well as on their television sets if they have a smart TV or a streaming device like Apple TV or Roku.
Tips for Watching the Kentucky Derby on TV
To fully enjoy the Kentucky Derby on TV, viewers should prepare by doing the following:
- Check the TV schedule to make sure you know when the pre-race coverage and the race itself will be aired.
- Invite friends and family over to watch the race together and have a Kentucky Derby-themed party.
- Dress up in your best Kentucky Derby outfits, including hats, dresses, and seersucker suits.
- Place bets on the horses and have a friendly wager with your guests.
- Prepare traditional Kentucky Derby foods like mint juleps, hot browns, and burgoo.
How to Host a Kentucky Derby Watch Party on TV
To host a Kentucky Derby watch party on TV, follow these steps:
- Send out invitations to your guests, including the time and location of the party.
- Decorate your house with Kentucky Derby-themed decorations like roses, horseshoes, and jockey silks.
- Set up a betting station and provide a list of the horses and their odds.
- Serve traditional Kentucky Derby foods and drinks, including mint juleps, hot browns, and burgoo.
- Encourage your guests to dress up in their best Kentucky Derby outfits and have a fashion show.
- Turn up the volume on the TV and enjoy the race with your guests.
Conclusion: Enjoying the Kentucky Derby on TV
Watching the Kentucky Derby on TV is a great way to enjoy one of the most exciting horse races in the world. Viewers can watch the race on NBC Sports, NBC Sports Network, and CNBC, or on the NBC Sports app or NBCSports.com. By following the tips for watching the race and hosting a Kentucky Derby watch party, viewers can fully immerse themselves in the tradition and excitement of the Kentucky Derby.
FAQs about Watching the Kentucky Derby on TV
Q: What time does the Kentucky Derby start?
A: The Kentucky Derby typically starts in the late afternoon, around 6:50 PM Eastern Time.
Q: What channel is the Kentucky Derby on?
A: The Kentucky Derby is broadcast on NBC Sports, NBC Sports Network, and CNBC.
Q: Can I watch the Kentucky Derby on my smartphone?
A: Yes, the Kentucky Derby can be watched on the NBC Sports app, which is available on smartphones and tablets.
Q: Can I watch the Kentucky Derby on Apple TV or Roku?
A: Yes, the Kentucky Derby can be watched on Apple TV or Roku by downloading the NBC Sports app.
