The multi-year deal will commence with the 2012 Breeders’ Cup World Championships from Santa Anita Park, California on November 2-3. NBC and NBC Sports Network will combine to present nine-and-a-half hours of live coverage of the 2012 Breeders’ Cup, including live primetime coverage of the US$5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic on NBC on November 3 from 20:00-21:00 ET. The Breeders’ Cup returns to NBC where it was broadcast from its inception in 1984 through 2005.
“Everyone here is delighted that the Breeders’ Cup has returned home,” said Jon Miller, president of programming for NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network. “Bringing back this prestigious event, combined with our long-term partnerships for the Triple Crown with Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby, in addition to the Preakness and Belmont, cements the NBC Sports Group as the home of horse racing.”
Craig Fravel, president and CEO of Breeders’ Cup Ltd, added: “We are extremely excited to begin our new relationship with NBC and the NBC Sports Group in televising the Breeders’ Cup World Championships as the finale to its expanded commitment to thoroughbred racing. In addition to fans enjoying the best in international competition over the two days of the Championships on NBC Sports Network, we look forward to NBC showcasing the Breeders’ Cup Classic in primetime.”
The Breeders’ Cup, thoroughbred racing’s most prestigious global racing event, consists of 15 races held over two days with over $25 million in purse money at stake. NBC Sports has secured the rights following the end of the organisation’s partnership with ABC/ESPN.
ESPN said in a statement: “In the last few years, ESPN has reduced its coverage of horse racing and this event no longer fits with our overall content strategy. We value our relationship with the Breeders' Cup and jointly decided this is the best option for their event. We look forward to continuing to work with them on international coverage.”