Breeders' Cup Back on NBC

(Courtesy of The Sports Network)

NBC Sports Group has reached an agreement to begin televising the Breeders' Cup World Championships with the 2012 edition. NBC previously aired the Breeders' Cup from 1984 to 2005.

Breeders' Cup Ltd. and NBC Sports announced Monday that a multi-year contract has been finalized that will have the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic conducted during primetime. "Everyone here is delighted that the Breeders' Cup has returned home," said Jon Miller, President, Programming, NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network. "Bringing back this prestigious event, combined with our long-term partnerships for the Triple Crown with Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby, in addition to the Preakness and Belmont cements the NBC Sports Group as the home of horse racing."

This year's Breeders' Cup, which will be held at Santa Anita Park on November 2 and 3, will have 9 1/2-hours of coverage on NBC and NBC Sports Network. NBC Sports Network will televise Friday's races between 4-8 p.m. (et) and Saturday's races from 3:30-8 p.m. NBC will pick up the broadcast for the Classic at 8 p.m.

"We are extremely excited to begin our new relationship with NBC and the NBC Sports Group in televising the Breeders' Cup World Championships as the finale to its expanded commitment to Thoroughbred racing," said Craig Fravel, President and CEO of Breeders' Cup Ltd. "In addition to fans enjoying the best in international competition over the two days of the Championships on NBC Sports Network, we look forward to NBC showcasing the Breeders' Cup Classic in primetime."

The past six Breeders' Cups were aired by ESPN and ABC.