Fans Saddened for Mike Tirico After Last-Minute Kentucky Derby Absence
The Kentucky Derby took center stage from Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 3 where NBC Sports icon Mike Tirico was supposed to be on the call.
Unfortunately for Tirico, he was scratched from calling the race, though fans didn't exactly know the reason for his absence until just about an hour before Sovereignty took the win. As the minutes ticked down until race time, Tirico revealed he suffered an allergic reaction to his nut allergy.
"Hate being a scratch after making the starting gate @KentuckyDerby . Just a significant reaction to my nut allergy. If you have one you know how it can knock you down. Profound thanks to @ChurchillDowns for their care. And to our amazing NBC Sprots horse racing family. Especially Randy, Jerry & Ahmed Fareed So lucky to have @SyracuseU fam step in and do such a great job," Tirico said before the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday night.
Hate being a scratch after making the starting gate @KentuckyDerby. Just a significant reaction to my nut allergy. If you have one you know how it can knock you down.
— MikeTirico (@miketirico) May 3, 2025
Profound thanks to @ChurchillDowns for their care. And to our amazing @nbcsports horse racing family.…
Fans were sad to see he was forced to miss the iconic event, but glad to know he's doing okay.
"Scary stuff @miketirico. Glad you are well and glad that you were well taken care of," one fan mentioned on X - formerly Twitter.
"Wishing our friend @miketirico a fast recovery. We have a nut allergy in our family too and know how serious this can be. Thankful he’s ok!" offered another.
"From someone else who has a significant nut allergy and has had events like that, I know how bad it is and I wish you the best," added a third.
The beloved NBC Sports host will have to wait until next year to call the iconic race again.