Kentucky Derby: NBC’s Mike Tirico leaves broadcast booth with illness

NBC’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby hit a snag on Saturday when lead broadcaster Mike Tirico had to step off set due to an unspecified illness. Ahmed Fareed stepped in to relieve Tirico, informing viewers of the situation.

“Mike, as you may have heard, is feeling a little under the weather right now, so I’m going to step in and take over for a bit,” Fareed said.

Fareed also hinted that Tirico may make a return to the broadcast later on, reassuring fans that he could come back into the fold once he’s feeling better.

“It is not like baseball. If the closer comes in, the starter can come back in the game. So, rest assured when Mike’s feeling better, he’ll be back right here in this seat,” Fareed stated.

Prior to Tirico’s departure, social media users had noticed that the broadcaster sounded off. Tirico has been leading NBC Sports’ Triple Crown coverage since 2017, with a nine-year run that is the longest of any lead broadcaster since Bob Costas held the position from 2001-2018.

However, it remains unclear whether Tirico will be able to return in time for this year’s Kentucky Derby, which has a post time scheduled for 7:02 p.m. ET.

The 151st running of the prestigious race will undoubtedly be a highlight for horse racing fans, and many will be eagerly awaiting to see if Tirico can make a swift recovery and rejoin the broadcast team.

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Jackson Thompson, a sports writer for Fox News Digital, has provided this update. With experience covering major sporting events such as the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, Thompson brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his reporting.