Kentucky Derby earns 8.2 overnight rating

NBC Sport's broadcast of the 131st running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) earned

a 8.2 overnight rating and 19 share, the fourth-highest overnight rating for the

event since 1992. NBC's broadcasts of the Kentucky Derby in 2001, 2003 and 2004

all earned an 8.3 rating.

The ratings increased throughout Saturday's broadcast, peaking at 11.5/26

from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. (EDT), as GIACOMO (Holy Bull) became the second-longest

shot ever to win the Derby. The pre-race segment from 5:00 to 5:45 p.m.

generated a 6.0/15, even with last year's 6.0/14. The race segment from 5:45 to

6:45 p.m. drew a 10.0/23, down 1 percent from last year's 10.1/22.

The top-rated individual markets for the full telecast were:

1. Louisville, Kentucky, earned a 30.6 rating and 62 share.

2. Tampa, Florida, earned a 12.5 rating and 28 share.

3. Cincinnati, Ohio, earned a 12.0 rating and 30 share.

National ratings for the race segment are expected Tuesday while complete

national ratings are expected Thursday.

NBC will broadcast the Preakness S. (G1) from Pimlico on May 21, beginning at

5 p.m. (EDT).