NBC has faced significant backlash after moving one of the Kentucky Derby's most anticipated races, the Kentucky Oaks, to a later television slot. The first night Kentucky Oaks, the main event for Friday of Kentucky Derby weekend, took place in front of large swaths of empty seats after being shifted from its traditional 6pm post time to 8:40pm for primetime on the network.
Empty Seats and Disappointed Fans
Many of the more than 100,000 fans who filled the grandstand and track from late morning through the afternoon had departed before sunset. This exodus was a source of frustration for winning trainer Chad Brown, who lamented not being able to receive the trophy in the infield, a tradition for the Oaks and Derby that was moved to the paddock due to the late time.
'It was a really cool experience, and it's nice to utilize this facility with the lights and all, and I would definitely do it again. Obviously, my horse ran terrific,' Brown said. '(The ceremony) was the only negative. Everything else about it was an incredible experience today with this post time.'
Impact on Local Businesses
The New York Times also highlighted how NBC's controversial decision to shift the Kentucky Oaks to a later time at Churchill Downs has affected local businesses. Pat Francis, whose family has owned a famous steakhouse in Louisville since 1958, revealed that the restaurant is closing its doors on both Friday and Saturday to protest what he believes is a 'corporate cash grab.'
Francis argued that the late start will discourage fans from visiting his steakhouse after the race, given that many racegoers typically arrive at the track in the early afternoon and stay for several races before the Oaks. 'They are trying to cut us out of the equation,' he said. 'It's terrible for small businesses. The only thing I see is greed.'
The New York Times also quoted another local resident who fumed that Churchill Downs has 'officially decided the Kentucky Oaks belongs to NBC, not Louisville.' Unfortunately for the people of Louisville, the Oaks is still set to air in primetime for at least the next six years on NBC.
Race Highlights
When the race finally got underway on Friday night, Brown's Always a Runner showed her toughness once again by winning the Kentucky Oaks against some of the best 3-year-old fillies in the 152nd edition of the race. 'This filly is very resilient, very tough,' Brown said after winning the Oaks for the first time. 'She didn't have to be here today. She didn't have to run again. She could have never run, easily. I've had it happen with several horses. The fact that not only did she overcome it and ended up here today as an undefeated horse in the Oaks is just remarkable.'
Ridden by Jose Ortiz, Always a Runner made a move around the final turn and needed every bit of the stretch to pass Bob Baffert's Explora and Michael McCarthy's Meaning before the finish line of the 1 1/8-mile race. Meaning was second by 1 1/4 lengths, and Counting Stars finished third. Always a Runner completed the race in 1:48.62.
