Preakness Stakes sees TV ratings boost

The Preakness Stakes saw a major TV ratings boost over last year as Exaggerator defeated Nyquist with a breathtaking run.

With the promise of another potential triple crown winner in Nyquist, a duel with a longtime rival in Exaggerator and the freshness of last year’s triple crown win by American Pharaoh, there was certainly a lot of expectation and buzz around this year’s Preakness Stakes.

There are now the TV ratings to back that up, as NBC Sports reports a seven percent increase in the overnight ratings from this year’s Preakness over last year’s Preakness.

NBC Sports reports the Preakness posted a 6.2 house hold overnight rating with a 14 share, up seven percent from American Pharaoh’s win last year.

And those who tuned in were treated to a breathtaking run from Exaggerator as it finally overcame Nyquist on a rain-soaked track at Pimlico.

Exaggerator came from far back in the pack and rode the rail to victory, eventually overtaking Nyquist on the stretch run, ending Nyquist’s undefeated streak and its bid for the triple crown.

Now NBC will have to wait and see how the Belmont Stakes will do with the interest in the potential triple crown gone.

NBC Sports reports ratings for the Preakness peaked at 8.0 with an 18 share from 6:45-7 p.m. during the race as Exaggerator ran to victory. That was a five percent increase from last year’s peak with American Pharaoh.

Ratings were also up in several key markets too.

NBC Sports reports ratings were the highest they were in Baltimore since 2009 — up 17 percent from last year. And ratings were up 23 percent in Louisville, Ky., home of the Kentucky Derby, over last year.

The triple crown certainly sparked some interest from casual race fans as everyone seemed to believe Nyquist could pull of the feat again.

The Belmont Stakes will not have the same attraction, for sure.

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