Only NBC'S 8.3 In '01, '03 & '04 Rated Higher Over Past 13 Years

Rating Peaked At 11.5 As 50-1 Giacomo Wins Derby

NBC Sports' broadcast of Giacomo's surprise win at the 131st running of the Kentucky Derby notched an impressive 8.2 overnight rating and 19 share, the fourth-highest overnight rating for a Kentucky Derby broadcast since 1992 according to overnight ratings released today by Nielsen Media Research; NBC's 2001, 2003 and 2004 broadcasts all drew an 8.3 rating. NBC now holds the four highest-rated Derby broadcasts in the past 13 years.

The ratings built throughout yesterday's broadcast, peaking at an 11.5/26 from 6-6:30 p.m. ET, as the 50-1 Giacomo became the second-longest shot ever to win the Derby (Donerail, 1913).

Yesterday's prerace segment (5-5:45 p.m. ET) generated a 6.0/15, even with last year (6.0/14). The race segment (5:45-6:45 p.m. ET) drew a 10.0/23, -1 percent from 2004 (10.1/22).

The top-rated individual markets for the full telecast were: 1) Louisville 30.6/62; 2) Tampa 12.5/28; 3) Cincinnati 12.0/30; t4) Orlando 11.8/24; t4) Fort Myers 11.8/24; 6) Knoxville 11.5/24; 7) Philadelphia 11.4/24; 8) Hartford 11.3/24; t9) St. Louis 11.0/24; t9) West Palm Beach 11.0/24.

National ratings for the race segment are expected Tuesday while complete national ratings are expected Thursday.

Giacomo will continue on to the Preakness Stakes from Pimlico Racecourse on Saturday, May 21, trying to become the first horse to win the Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978. NBC's coverage from Baltimore begins at 5 p .m.ET.

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