Tirico to host NBC's Breeders' Cup Saturday broadcast

Veteran sportscaster Mike Tirico will host the Saturday Breeders’ Cup broadcast on NBC-TV on Nov. 5, the network announced, marking the first time that Tirico has worked on a racing broadcast.

Tirico, who joined NBC this year after a long career at ESPN and ABC, said in a statement distributed by the network that he has “always enjoyed watching the Breeders’ Cup cap the year and set the storylines for the following spring.”

“Now I can’t wait to experience that in person for the first time,” Tirico said.

Tirico was an on-site studio host for NBC’s Olympics coverage in Rio de Janeiro this summer. He is also the play-by-play announcer for the network’s prime-time NFL broadcasts.

The Saturday Breeders’ Cup broadcast has been hosted in the past by Bob Costas, who has also been the host for NBC’s Triple Crown broadcasts.

The Breeders’ Cup is scheduled for Nov. 4-5 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif.