Ashley Judd to narrate show open for NBC's telecast of Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 2 (UPI) -- Kentucky-born actress Ashley Judd is to narrate the show open for Saturday's NBC telecast of the Kentucky Derby, the network announced.

"What a delight! I have attended the Derby many times, from the in-field as a college student, to friends' boxes, and I've even walked on the track behind the Derby field for the call to post, looking in awe up at the Twin Spires," said Judd, whose family has lived in Eastern Kentucky for more than 10 generations.

"My memories are rooted in family -- my dad picking me up before dawn to visit the barns and watch workouts, and especially how much my Papaws loved the Derby. Wherever I have been in the world on the first Saturday in May, I have watched the Derby. My life offers many bouquets and narrating NBC's opening is an especially sweet one."

Rob Hyland, the coordinating producer of NBC's horse-racing coverage said that Judd was "the perfect choice to narrate this year's opening sequence."

"The Kentucky Derby is a celebration of pastimes and rituals that make this event so special. Who better than one of Kentucky's own to welcome us to the 141st Kentucky Derby?" added Hyland.