May 3, 2026 3:15pm PT

Kentucky Derby Delivers Record Audience for NBC and Peacock as Trainer Cherie DeVaux Makes History

Cynthia Littleton

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Cynthia Littleton

Business Editor

@Variety_Cynthia

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The annual Run for the Roses on Saturday was a historic moment for women in horse racing as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby.

DeVaux’s story plus other firsts that were poised to be achieved by jockeys, trainers and horses at this year’s derby drove the live audience on Saturday evening to a record average of 19.6 million across NBC and streamer Peacock.