I was all set to watch ALL of the Kentucky Derby day proceedings on ESPN, but alas the Flower Mart usurped by afternoon.
Just tuned into the NBC coverage, and it’s amazing — they’ve talked to about a dozen celebrities and NONE of the production has included those warm fuzzy pieces about horses, jockeys, trainers and owners that suck you into a particular connection.
So far we’ve seen the lovely Jenny McCarthy flirt with Mike Battaglia and make handicapping look easy.
Gary Williams and Rick Pitino were cornered on Millionaire’s Row and discussed hoops and horses.
Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minillo were dashing.
There were a couple of more actors and football players — Michael Strahan, Byron Leftwich and Vince Young all chatted with the NBC cameras.
It’s like they’re “selling” the Derby as the “place to be.”
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I sure hope it works.
Because it’s the best event there is.
Tom Hammond — who is one of the really nice people I’ve met in this business — just said the “red carpet” portion of the Debry coverage has ended…
I’m in delay, but trying to catch up…
I’m pulling for Circular Quay…would triple him up with Street Sense and Hard Spun.
We’ll see…
“And DOWN the stretch they come…”
