National ratings for the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) May 19 dropped compared to year-ago numbers, according to figures released by NBC Sports Group. Approximately 8.1 viewers saw I'll Have Another win the second leg of the Triple Crown from Pimlico Race Course near Baltimore, down from 8.8 million viewers last year, a drop of 7%.
The race portion of NBC’s telecast from 6-7 p.m. EDT earned a 5.2 rating and 13 share, down from 2011’s 5.6/13. Each national ratings point equals approximately 1.15 million viewers. The share reflects the percentage of television sets in use that were tuned into the race.
Ratings for the Preakness have trended downward since 2009, when Rachel Alexandra stirred up enough interest to garner a 6.8 rating and 16 share.
NBC figures to score big with its June 9 coverage of the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) when I’ll Have Another will seek to become the 12th Triple Crown winner in Thoroughbred history