A Historic Race, Record-Breaking Audiences!
Unprecedented Audience Numbers for Golden Tempo's Triumph
An extraordinary 24.4 million individuals tuned in to witness Golden Tempo's thrilling come-from-behind win at the 152nd Kentucky Derby. This figure, derived from Nielsen and Adobe Analytics by NBC, highlights a monumental moment in the event's broadcast history.
Surpassing Previous Viewership Milestones
The 2026 Derby's peak viewership dramatically exceeded the prior year's record of 21.8 million by a significant 12%. Jockey Jose Ortiz masterfully guided Golden Tempo from the last position around the final turn to an astonishing first-place finish, contributing to this unprecedented audience engagement.
Cherie DeVaux: A Groundbreaking Victory
Adding to the event's historical significance, Cherie DeVaux became the first woman trainer ever to lead a horse to victory in the Kentucky Derby, marking a pivotal moment for gender representation in professional horse racing.
Elevated Average Viewership for NBC's Broadcast
NBC's comprehensive coverage of the Derby also achieved its highest average audience, attracting 19.6 million viewers. This represented an approximate 11% increase over the previous year's average of 17.7 million, further solidifying the event's growing popularity.
Record-Breaking Digital Engagement via Streaming Platforms
The digital streaming sector, predominantly driven by Peacock, reported an all-time high with an average minute audience (AMA) of 1.3 million viewers. This figure substantially surpassed the 2025 record of 959,000, illustrating the increasing trend of online viewership for major sporting events.
Kentucky Oaks Achieves Primetime Viewership Heights
The Kentucky Oaks, held on Friday night, also made history by being broadcast during the television primetime window for the first time. Always A Runner's decisive win garnered an average of 2.4 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, quadrupling its previous viewership records, which stood at 593,000 in 1997 on ESPN, showcasing a remarkable expansion of its audience base.
