Weir, Lipinski Part of Derby, Oaks Coverage
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NBC Sports Group announced April 22 that Olympic figure skaters Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski have been added to its coverage of the 2014 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), it was announced April 22.
Weir and Lipinski will work as fashion experts for the May 3 Derby and the Longines Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) on Friday, May 2.
Most recently, Weir, a three-time U.S. figure skating champion, and Lipinski, 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, and according to NBC Sports Group, 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 Derby from 4-7 p.m. ET on NBC and noon-4 p.m. ET on NBCSN, and the Oaks from 3-6 p.m. ET on NBCSN.
NBC Sports Group's live Derby coverage begins Wednesday, April 30 with the post position at 5 p.m. ET on NBCSN.