Triple Crown Productions

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In 1985, a group of people wanted to have the Triple Crown of Horse Racing well known for television. Other than the Derby, the Preakness and Belmont Stakes were considered the two "other" races. ABC Sports, which had broadcast the Derby since 1975, wanted to operated all 3 Triple Crown races. CBS was broadcasting The Preakness and Belmont since 1960 and had gotten poor ratings for the races.

In mid 1985, Triple Crown Productions was formed meaning That all 3 Triple Crown Races would be televised on the same network. ABC Sports broadcased the series along with prep races from all around the US. Ratings soar as watched all three races on the same network.

ABC Sports broadcasted the 3 races from 1986 until 2000.

In October 1999, NBC Sports won the rights to broadcast the three races in 2001. NBC had broadcast the Breeders' Cup since 1984 and will do so until ESPN takes over in 2006.

Ratings with NBC soared through the roof by over 20 percent. From 2002-2004 The Belmont had the highest rating of the series.

On October 4 2004, after citing a dispute about profit from the deal, the New York Racing Association agreed to move the Belmont Stakes to ABC/ESPN starting in 2006. The Derby and Preakness will remain on NBC.

[edit] Important dates

  • 1949: NBC airs the First radio broadcast of The Kentucky Derby.
  • 1952: CBS air the first national broadcast of The Derby.
  • 1960: CBS air The Preakness and Belmont Stakes.
  • 1975: ABC Sports broadcasts the Kentucky Derby.
  • 1978: The Maryland Jockey Club announces that ABC has won the rights to the Preakness.
  • 1985: Triple Crown Productions is formed.
  • 1999: NBC Sports earns rights to Broadcasts the series in 2001.
  • 2004: ABC/ESPN inks multi-year deal to broadcast The Belmont Stakes beginning in 2006,thus breaking away.
  • 2005: A week afted losing the Breeders' Cup to ESPN, NBC inks 5 year deals with Churchill Downs and Magna Entertainment Corp.
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