Breeders’ Cup Classic hits prime time with NBC

NEW YORK (AP) — The Breeders’ Cup Classic is coming to prime time for the first time.

NBC Sports Group and the Breeders’ Cup have agreed to a multiyear deal for the network to televise the two-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships beginning with the 2012 event at Santa Anita Park.

This year, NBC Sports Network will televise the Breeders’ Cup races on Nov. 2 and then Nov. 3 before NBC picks up coverage for the $5 million Classic from 8-9 p.m. EST.

The 15-race Breeders’ Cup returns to NBC after several years on ABC/ESPN. NBC aired the event from 1984-2005.

Financial terms of the deal announced Monday were not disclosed.

NBC also televises the Triple Crown races — the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.