Virtual Kentucky Derby to be Televised May 2 on NBC
Track officials aim to raise $2 million for COVID-19 emergency relief efforts.
By BloodHorse Staff
Churchill Downs announced April 23 that it will conduct
a virtual running of the Kentucky Derby
during a May 2 telecast on NBC from 3-6 p.m. ET
on the traditional day of the Kentucky Derby
Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1).
Called the "The Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown,"
The “Virtual race is a computer-simulated version of the American classic,
which was postponed this year from its traditional running
on the first Saturday in May
to Sept. 5 because of COVID-19.
Saturday's coverage will include:
• A new interview with trainer Bob Baffert, trainer of Triple Crown winners American Pharoah and Justify , and jockey Mike Smith, who teamed with Baffert on Justify in 2018;
• A look at 2020's top three-year-olds heading into the summer racing season;
• Video from Churchill Downs during the show;
• Larry Collmus' call of the 2015 Kentucky Derby, watched by nearly 18 million viewers as American Pharoah crossed the finish line;
• A look in on American Pharoah, at his stable at Coolmore's Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky;
• An essay by Tim Layden offering perspective on the meaning of the Kentucky Derby. Layden will provide additional commentary and articles on NBC Sports.com throughout the week;
• The Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown virtual horse race (additional details below).
Churchill Downs' First-Ever Virtual Horse Race—Featuring 13 Triple Crown Winners
The NBC broadcast will feature Churchill Downs' first virtual horse race: The Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown, which will be called by NBC Sports' Triple Crown race caller Larry Collmus. The virtual race, created by Inspired Entertainment, will feature the 13 past Triple Crown winners and use data algorithms including historical handicapping information about each horse, which helps to determine the probability of their potential finishing positions.
Beginning this Thursday, April 30, fans will be able to visit
www.KentuckyDerby.com to choose their favorite horse to win the virtual race and join Churchill Downs in making a charitable donation to COVID-19 emergency relief efforts.