NBC Sports' coverage of the 144th Kentucky Derby Saturday saw 15 million viewers tune in across NBC and NBC Sports Digital platforms, the company reported Monday. The audience that watched Justify's victory marked the sixth consecutive year that Kentucky Derby viewership averaged at least 15 million viewers. Viewership peaked at 17.5 million viewers from 6:45 p.m-7:00 p.m ET as Justify crossed the finish line 2 1/2 lengths ahead of Good Magic, to remain undefeated and break the 136-year old “Curse of Apollo.” The broadcast, which went head-to-head with the NBA playoffs, averaged 14.9 million TV-only viewers with an 8.5 rating/21 share.
NBC Sports Digital's presentation of the Kentucky Derby ranks as the most-streamed Kentucky Derby ever, delivering 11.7 million minutes, up 27% from last year. The stream also delivered a record 337,000 unique visitors. The Average Minute Audience for the Kentucky Derby via the NBC Sports app and NBCSports.com was a record 123,100 viewers. Louisville, the home of the Kentucky Derby, topped the metered markets with a 37.2 rating/62 share.
NBC will broadcast the Triple Crown's second jewel from Baltimore, Md. with Preakness coverage from Friday, May 18 through the race the following day.
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