NBC to broadcast Breeder's Cup

NEW YORK, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- This year's Breeders' Cup World Championships will be broadcast by NBC, ending a six-year run by ESPN and ABC.

The multiyear agreement announced Monday by NBC Sports Group and Breeders' Cup Ltd. brings the event back to NBC, which had carried the races from 1984 to 2005.

The deal calls for 9 1/2 hours of races on NBC and NBC Sports Network, including the the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic during prime time.

"Everyone here is delighted that the Breeders' Cup has returned home," said Jon Miller, president for programming at NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network. "Bringing back this prestigious event, combined with our long-term partnerships for the Triple Crown with Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby, in addition to the Preakness and Belmont cements the NBC Sports Group as the home of horse racing."

This year's Breeders' Cup will be held at California's Santa Anita Park Nov. 2-3.

"We are extremely excited to begin our new relationship with NBC and the NBC Sports Group in televising the Breeders' Cup World Championships as the finale to its expanded commitment to thoroughbred racing," said Craig Fravel, president and chief executive officer of Breeders' Cup Ltd. "In addition to fans enjoying the best in international competition over the two days of the championships on NBC Sports Network, we look forward to NBC showcasing the Breeders' Cup Classic in prime time."