Overnight ratings for the Nov. 2 Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) on NBC registered a 1.4 rating, down 40% from last year's 2.2.
One overnight ratings point equals approximately 770,000 households, with the overnights gleaned from 56 metered markets across North America. The Classic, which was won in a thrilling finish by Mucho Macho Man by a nose over Will Take Charge , aired on NBC from 8-9 p.m. EDT.
This year's Classic, which had an 8:35 p.m. EDT post time, was up against stiff competition, including the college football game between Florida State and Miami. Last year, the racing telecast may have benefitted from the triple overtime game on NBC between Notre Dame and Pittsburgh, which ended just as the Breeders' Cup telecast was beginning.
Also, there was reportedly a contract dispute between Dish Network and NBC in some markets that prevented viewers from receiving the telecast.
National ratings for the remainder of the two-day Breeders' Cup World Championships from Santa Anita Park Nov. 1-2 will be released later in the week of Nov. 3. The top five local markets for the 2013 Breeders' Cup Classic were Albuquerque, N.M .(3.8); Indianapolis, Ind. (3.3); Fort Myers, Fla. (3.3); Cincinnati, Ohio (2.9); and Louisville, Ky. (2.9).