2025 Kentucky Derby: Mike Tirico falls ill, steps away from NBC broadcast

The first Saturday in May always produces one of the most anticipated events on the sports calendar. Churchill Downs will play host to the Kentucky Derby, the 151st edition. Mike Tirico has been the voice associated with the Derby in recent years for his work on NBC.

However, a slight change of plans have taken place. Tirico is feeling “under the weather” and Ahmed Fareed has stepped into the host role for now. Fareed provided an update during the broadcast, saying Tirico will come back once feeling better.

“Mike, as you may have heard, is feeling a little under the weather right now,” Fareed said. “So, I’m going to step in, take over for a bit. It is not like baseball. If the closer comes in, the starter can come back in the game. So, rest assured, when Mike is feeling better, he will be back right here in this seat.”

Mike Tirico is feeling "under the weather" and has stepped away from NBC's Kentucky Derby coverage, at least for now. Ahmed Fareed is pinch hitting in the meantime. pic.twitter.com/HetSzxEAJI

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 3, 2025

Tirico has been associated with some of sport’s biggest moments since joining NBC. His first year working at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby was back in 2017. Just one year later, Justify won horse racing’s 13th-ever Triple Crown winners and second since 1978.

Unfortunately, the show will have to go on without him on Saturday. Everyone is hoping Tirico will be able to return to the broadcast at some point. Fareed is a veteran presence in multiple different sports for NBC, though. He should do a great job as the self-described closer to bring everyone across the country the Kentucky Derby pregame show. Hopefully, the starter will be put back on the mound at some point.

More on the Kentucky Derby

The state of the track often determines which horse can claim an advantage, based on their past experience on each surface. The current weather forecast gives a high of 60 degrees with a 50-percent chance of rain at post time, setting the stage for wet conditions.

With so much data available on each horse, jockey and trainer coming into the race and the element of randomness too, many people take other paths to choosing their best bet. Whether you pick the best name or the prettiest horse, there is no wrong approach at the Kentucky Derby.

It is also a week of traditions, so whether in attendance or at home, enjoy the big hats and bold suits, along with the Mint Juleps and Oaks Lilies.

On3’s James Fletcher contributed to this report