With 17.7 million viewers, the 151st Kentucky Derby delivered the race’s largest audience since 1989—all tuning in to watch Sovereignty’s thrilling victory, per NBC Sports.

Audience for NBC Sports’ Milestone 25th Kentucky Derby Presentation Peaked at 21.8 Million Viewers – Best Ever for NBC Sports

NBC has done five hours of coverage on the main network on Derby Day since 2018. Sam Flood, the executive producer and president of NBC Sports Production, said the true evolution behind adding more hours while making the coverage appeal to a cross-section of viewers began after he produced his first Derby in 2006.