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Friday, May 2, 2008
Derby thunders onto NBC on Saturday
For no particular reason, I’m feeling sporty today, so this blog will trot in sync with my mood.
The Kentucky Derby promises to gobble up most of NBC’s afternoon schedule on Saturday. It’s not quite as excessive as the Super Bowl, but the 134th running of the million-dollar horses will start early and go late.
Post time (when the race is expected to begin) is 5:04 p.m. Central Time, but NBC is starting at 3 p.m. with a red-carpet segment, “Access at the Kentucky Derby,” hosted by Billy Bush of “Access Hollywood.” Look for a lot of rich people in big hats, as opposed to stars in skimpy clothes.
After the faux celebrity march, NBC will have its pre-race show at 4 p.m., highlighting the competing horses, their jockeys, their trainers and their owners.
For those of us who are not hard-core horsey types, this provides mandatory background so you can choose a thoroughbred to cheer for.
FYI: Among the unusually crowded field this year, Big Brown is favored, with Colonel John also considered worthy. With two-days’ worth of rain expected at Churchill Downs, look for a muddy, sloppy race.
Even if you’re not hosting or attending a Derby party, don’t forget to whip up some mint juleps. Basic recipe provided here. (Put enough mint and sugar in and you can barely taste the bourbon.)
Moving on to the Beijing Summer Olympics, NBC today announced it will have live Web coverage of 25 sports that otherwise wouldn’t be seen in TV coverage.
And the network will archive 2,200 hours of video from every day and every competition during the games, which begin Aug. 8.
Since August is by far the steamiest, scorching-ist month of the year in Austin, I’m guessing the Beijing Games will be a big draw here.
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