Lipinski & Weir Added to NBC’s 2014 Kentucky Derby Coverage

Duo to Serve as Fashion Experts at Churchill Downs for the 2014 Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby
NBC Sports Group’s Live Coverage from Churchill Downs Begins April 30

STAMFORD, Conn. – April 22, 2014 – Olympic figure skaters Johnny Weirand Tara Lipinksi, who received critical acclaim for their figure skating analysis on NBCSN’s coverage of the 2014 Sochi Games, as well as for their conversational rapport on topics ranging from twizzles to tres chic attire, will join NBC Sports Group for its coverage of the 2014 Kentucky Derby, it was announced today.

Weir and Lipinski will work as fashion experts for the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3 and the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 2. Most recently, Weir, a three-time U.S. figure skating champion, and Lipinksi, the 1998 Olympic figure skating gold medalist, were also fashion critics for Access Hollywood’s coverage of the 2014 Academy Awards.

“Johnny and Tara have an infectious energy that will bring a fun and fresh perspective to our Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks telecasts,” said Rob Hyland, Coordinating Producer for NBC Sports Group. “They will be in their element amid the big-event atmosphere and pageantry of Churchill Downs.”

The 2013 Kentucky Derby was the second-most watched in a quarter century with 16.2 million viewers. Women comprised 51% of that audience ranking as the highest percentage of female viewership for any major sporting event in 2013.

Weir and Lipinski will contribute to NBC Sports Group’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3 (4-7 p.m. ET on NBC and Noon ET-4 p.m. ET on NBCSN) and the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 2 (3-6 p.m. ET on NBCSN). NBC Sports Group’s live Kentucky Derby coverage begins Wednesday, April 30 with the Kentucky Derby Draw at 5 p.m. ET on NBCSN.