Big Brown was not the only disappointment at The Belmont Stakes.
Despite the possibility of a Triple Crown winner for the first time in 30 years, the race portion of the Belmont averaged a 10.5 overnight rating on ABC, up 169% from last year, but down 33% from a 15.6 in 2004 — the last year a horse had the chance to win the Triple Crown.
The Thoroughbred Times reports ABC’s full coverage averaged an 8.6 rating, up 177% from last year, but down 36% from the 13.4 NBC drew in 2004.
The 10.5 overnight for the Belmont on ABC is higher than the 9.5 for the Kentucky Derby and the 6.2 for the Preakness, both of which aired on NBC.
Compared to other recent sporting events, the 10.5 is a tick higher than the 10.4 overnight for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, and ahead of the 8.9 overnight for the final round of The Masters and the 9.6 average for the Final Four.
