Preakness TV rating drops from last year

The overnight rating for the Preakness Stakes broadcast declined sharply compared to last year’s overnight, dropping 22 percent to a 4.3 with a 10 share, according to figures released on Sunday by NBC.

The Preakness this year was the first run in more than 20 years without the presence of the Kentucky Derby winner. Additionally, all four horses who finished first under the wire in the Derby two weeks ago skipped the race, including the disqualified winner, Maximum Security, and the horse elevated to first, Country House.

The rating peaked during the running of the race, at a 5.5 with a 13 share. Share measures the percentage of televisions in use that are tuned to a specific broadcast. Last year, the rating peaked at a 6.6 with a share of 15.

Last year’s Preakness was won by Justify, the undefeated winner of the Kentucky Derby. Justify went on to win the Triple Crown.

Weather was generally good across the Eastern seaboard on Saturday, which can hurt afternoon broadcasts. Last year, heavy rain fell across the Eastern seaboard during the Preakness card, which contributed to a jump in the rating by 12 percent.

NBC said that the Preakness broadcast was the most highly rated sports broadcast of the afternoon.

Two weeks ago, the Derby broadcast posted its highest overnight rating since 1992.