The 2024 Kentucky Derby saw increases in all the major financial indices which subsequently indicates how the sport which features the biggest horse racing event has recovered from the 2023 scandal and investigation which had lasting impacts.
According to Front Office Sports, this year’s race welcomed superlative success in audience, viewership, and wagering platforms. The 2023 event was marked with seven horse deaths prior to the race which was followed by more deaths after the race as well. The event underwent extensive investigation forcing Churchill Downs to suspend their operations for three months.
Last year, the Kentucky Derby was marred by the deaths of several horses and a lengthy investigation.
The iconic race bounced back in 2024 with big viewership, attendance, a new facility at Churchill Downs, and a thrilling three-horse photo finish—plus, no horse deaths.
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— Front Office Sports (@FOS) May 8, 2024
The NBC Sports platforms saw an average audience of 16.7 million which was a 13% boost from last year and a success rate since 1989. The viewership peaked at 20.1 million which was the highest for the network considering the Kentucky Derby.
NBC Sports also shared that they have renewed their agreement with Churchill Downs Inc. and the broadcast of the race will be through 2032 with the network. The attendance as per the report was 156,710, a 4.2% increase from last year. The “All-Sources” wagering record was posted at $320.5 million which saw 11% increase from last year.
The 2024 Kentucky Derby was won by Mystik Dan registering a first three-horse photo finish which was last recorded in 1947.
