A Legacy of Excellence in Horse Racing Coverage
Donna Brothers has been a key figure in NBC’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby since the network acquired the rights to the race in 2001. Her role as a reporter and analyst has made her a familiar face to fans across the country. However, this year will mark the end of an era as Brothers prepares to step down after this year’s event.
From walking the grounds with trainers and owners to interviewing winning jockeys on horseback, Brothers has been at the heart of some of the most memorable moments in NBC’s horse racing coverage. Her deep knowledge of the sport and ability to connect with athletes have made her an essential part of the broadcast team.
This year’s Kentucky Derby will be her final Run for the Roses. Brothers made the decision to retire two years ago, but she only recently shared the news publicly. “I told Lindsay Schanzer, our producer, that I definitely wanted to make it to Kentucky Derby 151 because that would be my 25th Kentucky Derby,” she said. “But if I had my druthers, I would also like to make it to Derby 152 because then I’ll be 60 years old and I’ll feel like I’ve earned the right to retire.”
Brothers, who turned 60 on April 22, has had a long and distinguished career both as a jockey and a broadcaster. She was a successful jockey, winning 1,130 races over an 11-year career. After retiring from riding in 1998, she transitioned into television, joining NBC in 2000 for Breeders’ Cup coverage. Since then, she has been a vital part of the network’s Triple Crown coverage.
NBC has held the rights to the Preakness Stakes since 2001 and the Belmont Stakes from 2001–05 and 2011–22. During that time, Brothers has played a significant role in covering the most prestigious races in American horse racing. She was the first to interview jockeys Victor Espinoza aboard American Pharaoh in 2015 and Mike Smith on Justify three years later, after they won the Triple Crown.
Her contributions to sports television have not gone unnoticed. Mike Tirico, who will anchor NBC’s coverage this year, praised her impact. “Very rarely do you get to work in TV with people who define a role in sports television, and Donna has done that,” he said. “The immediate reaction Donna gets race after race, and her observations are such a unique part of what we do in television. And she is one of a kind. Somebody will follow her but will not replace her because she’s irreplaceable.”
A New Chapter
Despite her retirement, Brothers is not planning to disappear from the world of horse racing. She has expressed confidence that her legacy will continue to influence the sport and its coverage. “There are a lot of people, when I tell ‘em I’m going to retire, they seem sad for me. And they’re like, ‘Oh, I know you’re going to miss it.’ And I don’t think that’s going to be the case,” she said. “I’ve had the second-best seat in the house for 26 years, and I really believe that. I think the best seat in the house is whoever rode the Kentucky Derby winner.”
Brothers’ journey from jockey to broadcaster has been marked by dedication, passion, and a deep love for the sport. Her insights and experience have enriched the coverage of horse racing for millions of fans. As she prepares for her final Derby, the industry will undoubtedly reflect on the significant role she has played in shaping the way the sport is presented to the public.
Her retirement marks the end of an era, but the memories and moments she has helped capture will live on for years to come.
