The most controversial Kentucky Derby in memory tied a 29-year high in the overnight ratings.
The one-hour race segment of the Kentucky Derby earned a 10.9 overnight rating on NBC Saturday evening, up 20% from last year (9.1), up 4% from 2017 (10.5), and tied with 1992 as the highest for the event since 1990 (11.3).
The telecast had an 11.9 overnight from 6:45-7 PM ET — the quarter-hour that included the race itself — up 9% from last year (10.9).
Saturday marked the most controversial finish in the history of the Derby. Maximum Security was first across the finish line, but was disqualified for impeding the horses behind him. That allowed Country House, who was not impeded, to be awarded the victory.
The race no doubt benefited from the unusual circumstances. It also likely benefited from the lack of NBA competition. Last year’s race aired opposite a Celtics-Sixers playoff game on ESPN.
Notably, the Derby posted the highest overnight for a Saturday television program since the NFL Playoffs, topping both games of last month’s NCAA Final Four.
Louisville led all markets for Saturday’s race with a 39.5, up 6% from last year (37.2), up 1% from 2017 (39.0), and its highest for the race since 2013 (43.7). Cincinnati was second at a 20.3 (+3%), its highest for the race since 2011 (21.2). Ft. Myers was third at a 19.4, but that marks a 3% decline from last year (20.0) and a three-year low.
Indianapolis (18.6) ranked fourth — after not cracking the top ten last year — and Knoxville rounded out the top five with a 17.9 (+6%).
[Numbers from NBC Sports PR 5.5]
