Historic Kentucky Derby Ratings: Golden Tempo’s Victory Draws Record Audience

A Record-Breaking Broadcast

The latest edition of the Kentucky Derby proved to be a massive success for broadcasters, drawing an unprecedented number of viewers. According to official data released on Sunday, the race at Churchill Downs reached an average of 19.6 million viewers across NBC and Peacock. This figure marks the highest viewership in the history of the event. At the peak of the competition, the audience surged to 24.4 million viewers, setting a new benchmark for an NBC-aired Derby.

Comparing the Numbers

The interest in this year's race was notably higher than previous iterations. For context, last year’s victory by Sovereignty saw an average audience of 17.7 million, with a peak of roughly 21.8 million. The jump in viewership highlights the growing appeal of the event following this year's dramatic conclusion.

The Comeback Story

The race itself provided a cinematic finish. Golden Tempo, starting as an underdog with 23-1 odds, was positioned in last place as the field entered the final turn. In a display of tactical brilliance, the horse rallied along the outside, surging through the pack to secure an unexpected and dramatic win.

A Historic Milestone for the Trainer

The victory also served as a milestone for Cherie DeVaux, who made history as the first female trainer to ever win the Kentucky Derby. Her emotional response following the race reflected the magnitude of the achievement:

«I don’t even have any words right now. Jose did a wonderful job, masterful job at getting him there. He was so far out of it and he has had so much faith in this horse.»

Looking Ahead: The Preakness Stakes

Following the triumph, questions have surfaced regarding the horse's next steps. While Golden Tempo has received an invitation to compete in the Preakness Stakes in two weeks, its participation remains uncertain. It has become increasingly common for Derby winners to skip the next leg of the Triple Crown, as seen with two of the last four victors. For reference, the last horse to achieve the elusive Triple Crown was Justify in 2018.