The 150th Kentucky Derby, won by Mystik Dan in a thrilling moment, attracted 16.7 million viewers, making it the most-watched Derby since 1989.
The race reached its peak viewership of 20.1 million between 7 and 7:15 p.m. EDT on Saturday when Mystik Dan, Sierra Leone, and Forever Young crossed the finish line together in the first three-horse photo finish since 1947. This marked the highest peak audience ever for the Derby on NBC.
Despite the massive audience, Mystik Dan’s trainer, Kenny McPeek, and the horse’s owners are unsure whether the colt will compete in the Preakness on May 18 in Baltimore, which would require a quick two-week turnaround.
The horse will travel to Saratoga, New York, before a decision is made.
Other trainers are also considering their options for the upcoming races. Chad Brown has decided to skip the Preakness with Sierra Leone, opting to train at Saratoga and run in the Belmont instead.
Brad Cox is evaluating Catching Freedom and Just A Touch before making a decision, while the Japan-bred horses Forever Young and T O Password are set to return home.
The Preakness may lack some star power from the Derby, but it will still have plenty of exciting storylines with well-rested horses expected to compete.
McPeek and jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. are celebrating their remarkable achievement, as they both claimed rare weekend sweeps of the Derby and Kentucky Oaks for fillies. McPeek is only the third trainer to accomplish this feat, while Hernandez is the eighth rider to do so.
As Hernandez prepares for the spotlight and the title that comes with winning the Kentucky Derby, he reflects on the significance of the achievement, knowing that he can now proudly say he has won the most prestigious race in the sport.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.