“Barbaro: A Nation’s Horse” will premiere on NBC Saturday at 8 p.m. on WBAL-TV 11. As one might expect, Baltimore plays the most critical role in the film, and Emmy Award winner Rob Hyland, who produced “Barbaro,” captures all the drama of one of the most memorable days in Preakness history.
What makes this show amazing is that it has the feel of a feature film, not just your run-of-the-mill sports documentary. With such a compelling story and the beautiful cinematography, you are going to want the entire family to watch this remarkable story of such a special horse.
“Barbaro” looks back at the thoroughbred’s impressive 6 1/2-length win at the Kentucky Derby, his dramatic injury and his amazing will to live that captured the imagination of the public. The film also examines Barbaro’s legacy and impact on the future of horse racing, including new footage of Barbaro?s baby brother, who was born on April 20. The as-yet-unnamed foal shares both parents with the late Derby champion. Maybe one day he too will race for the roses at Churchill Downs.
Obviously, this weekend also features the 133rd running of the Derby, live Saturday in high definition on NBC 11. NBC Sports is expanding its Derby coverage, for the first time, to a two-hour “Kentucky Derby Red Carpet Special,” starting at 4:30 p.m. NBC’s pre-race coverage begins at 5 and will last until 6:30.
“The Kentucky Derby is a fantastic intersection of style, celebrity and glamour,” said “Access Hollywood” executive producer Rob Silverstein. “I’m thrilled that Shaun [Robinson] and ‘Access’ can be there.”
Tom Hammond and Bob Costas will co-host the Derby alongside three-time Derby winner Gary Stevens. NBC Sports’ broadcast team also includes race-caller Tom Durkin, contributing analysts Battaglia and Neumeier, reporter Kenny Rice and on-track reporter Donna Barton Brothers, who retired in 1998 after an impressive 11-year career as a jockey.
ESPN will be live from Churchill Downs from 12 to 5 providing pre-race and race coverage before handing things off to NBC.
In two weeks, both NBC and ESPN head to Baltimore for what promises to be a very special Preakness with plenty of Barbaro features.
Contact Jim Williams at [email protected].
