Kentucky Derby draws highest television ratings in 17 years, up 7 percent from 2008

Kentucky Derby gets highest TV ratings in 17 years

NEW YORK — The Kentucky Derby’s television ratings are the highest in 17 years.

NBC says Saturday’s coverage of 50-1 long shot Mine That Bird’s win drew a 9.8 national rating and a 23 share. That’s up 11 percent from last year’s 8.8/21.

It’s the highest rating since a 10.3/30 when Lil E Tee won in 1992.

The rating is the percentage of all homes with televisions tuned into a program, while the share is the percentage of all TVs in use at the time.