Kentucky Derby draws its biggest TV audience since 1992

The overnight rating for the Kentucky Derby broadcast on NBC on Saturday was the highest since 1992 and a 20 percent jump over last year’s number, according to NBC.

The overnight rating for the broadcast running from 5 p.m. Eastern until approximately 7:30 was a 10.9 with a 25 share, according to NBC. The rating peaked at 11.9 with a 27 share during the race, NBC said. The 1992 rating was also a 10.9.

Last year, the Derby broadcast posted a 9.1 rating and a 21 share, a drop of 17 percent from the 2017 broadcast.

The rebound in the Derby rating this year occurred against a backdrop of widespread scrutiny of the racing industry due to a spate of catastrophic injuries at Santa Anita Park in Southern California this winter.

Wagering on both the Derby and the full card at Churchill on Saturday set records for the fourth year in a row. Wagering on the Kentucky Oaks and its undercard on Friday also set records.

NBC said the Derby overnight rating was the highest figure for any sports broadcast since an NFL divisional playoff game on Jan. 12.