Mike Tirico to host Breeders Cup on NBC

[chenoa]

[barahona44]

The key word is "host".He really doesn't have to have a real in-depth knowledge of the sport, as there will be others on the TC/Breeders telecasts like Jerry Bailey and Laffit Pincay who will do most of the heavy lifting.He'll get his talking points and introductory remarks from the producers.As long as someone doesn't screw up the Teleprompter, he'll be fine. NBC is paying him all that money, they may as well use him.Bob Costas isn't getting any younger.

Is there anything indicating that Tirico doesn't know Belmont Park from Beulah Park?

[EasyGoer89]

Tirico is an elite voice in sports broadcasting in today's market, his voice is recognized by NFL football fans all across the country, so his presence there, talking about racing, is a huge branding opportunity for the sport of kings, when a person like this is at a racing event, it 'feels' like a big deal, you can never go wrong branding your sport with a major voice from ESPN and NFL games.

Win win situation, and it doesn't matter if he knows one end of a horse from another, he's a very smart person who will make it sound like he's plugged in, he won't be out of place, he grew up in Queens so i'm pretty sure he's heard of horse racing.

[EMD4ME]

Originally Posted by EasyGoer89

Tirico is an elite voice in sports broadcasting in today's market, his voice is recognized by NFL football fans all across the country, so his presence there, talking about racing, is a huge branding opportunity for the sport of kings, when a person like this is at a racing event, it 'feels' like a big deal, you can never go wrong branding your sport with a major voice from ESPN and NFL games.

Win win situation, and it doesn't matter if he knows one end of a horse from another, he's a very smart person who will make it sound like he's plugged in, he won't be out of place, he grew up in Queens so i'm pretty sure he's heard of horse racing.

Miiiiiiiikkkeee! Welcome to the PA forum!

[dilanesp]

NBC paid a lot of money for Tirico and it turns out they don't have enough for him to do.

So they gave him this....

[upthecreek]

I like Tom Hammond

[uncbossfan]

Originally Posted by EasyGoer89

Tirico is an elite voice in sports broadcasting in today's market, his voice is recognized by NFL football fans all across the country, so his presence there, talking about racing, is a huge branding opportunity for the sport of kings, when a person like this is at a racing event, it 'feels' like a big deal, you can never go wrong branding your sport with a major voice from ESPN and NFL games.

Win win situation, and it doesn't matter if he knows one end of a horse from another, he's a very smart person who will make it sound like he's plugged in, he won't be out of place, he grew up in Queens so i'm pretty sure he's heard of horse racing.

Well said. Only a group of horse racing fans who constantly complain about the sport not growing would gripe about a world famous commentator hosting one of our biggest events.

[Rise Over Run]

Originally Posted by dilanesp

NBC paid a lot of money for Tirico and it turns out they don't have enough for him to do.

So they gave him this....

This is solely the result of the NFL (i.e. Goodell and company). Their arrogant dominance toward the media outlets is going to end in the next 12-18 months. Hopefully it takes out Thursday Night NFL...

[dilanesp]

Originally Posted by Rise Over Run

This is solely the result of the NFL (i.e. Goodell and company). Their arrogant dominance toward the media outlets is going to end in the next 12-18 months. Hopefully it takes out Thursday Night NFL...

This is way off topic, but you are absolutely right about the NFL's insane TV policies and its role in the Tirico thing.

[Rise Over Run]

Originally Posted by dilanesp

This is way off topic, but you are absolutely right about the NFL's insane TV policies and its role in the Tirico thing.

Sorry for the thread drift. I think Tirico will do just fine on the BC telecast.

[dilanesp]

Originally Posted by Rise Over Run

Sorry for the thread drift. I think Tirico will do just fine on the BC telecast.

I predict he will be bad.

[ebcorde]

Actually bets and knows something. Although it's not his job to analyze, he has a clue.

Tirico seems bored to me. Too used to being at all the big events. Just another event..

Moss and Jerry are the best. Don't like the Hockey player and his 6-7 Horses each leg.

Moss one has to really listen too, he makes a lot of under the cover comments. he is a must listen on big days.

The year Invasor won , he made comments about a inside bias, I canceled all my tickets and went with the top inside Horses except for Invasor. Could never get off Invasor after seeing him win at Saratoga.

[ebcorde]

Originally Posted by upthecreek

I like Tom Hammond

me too. He does T&F and did it with OJ

Found this on Wiki Had no idea he was in the Biz.

Hammond earned a B.S. in animal science in 1967 from the University of Kentucky, specializing in equine genetics and following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Thomas Poe Cooper, a former dean of the UK College of Agriculture and a former Acting President of UK. He began his career with WVLK Radio, where he was news and sports director. In 1970 and for the next 10 years, he was sports director for WLEX-TV. In 1980, he was named a play-by-play announcer for Southeastern Conference basketball games.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he served as a sales announcer at the Keeneland Thoroughbred Sales and at thoroughbred horse sales in 16 other states. He is recognized as a specialist and national expert on thoroughbred pedigrees.

[VeryOldMan]

Looks like everyone's mileage varies - I've never had a problem with Tirico and think he will do just fine as a host. He's a solid host who doesn't seem to have the "look at me" bloviation ego of a Costas, e.g. I don't expect Tirico will pontificate about particular horses, the industry, the political climate, etc., etc.

Have watched these big races/cards with a good horse racing friend for a number of years - we've typically found the undercard announcers to be better than the bigger names brought in for the "main event" at the BC, Ky. Derby, etc. And don't get us started on Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski!

[EMD4ME]

Originally Posted by dilanesp

I predict he will be bad.

I'm NOT disagreeing but tell me more. Why?