At a time when many sports leagues are spending big money attempting to crack down on fans who violate copyright laws by posting highlights on YouTube, the Kentucky Derby has decided to go in the opposite direction: Saturday's entire race is available on the Derby's official YouTube channel.
The sport of kings typically appeals to older fans, but the folks at Churchill Downs are using an aggressive strategy to court younger fans online. The Derby launched its YouTube channel in 2006, back when most sports leagues were terrified at the prospect of online video siphoning viewers away from its TV partners, and the Derby is also on Facebook and Twitter.
I'm a little surprised that the Derby, which started in the 19th Century, has been so enthusiastic about embracing 21st Century technology (and I'm a little surprised that the Derby's contract with NBC allows it), but I think it's great: If you missed the Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports on Saturday, watching it today is as easy as the click of a mouse.
Kentucky Derby Photos
Jockey Calvin Borel smiles as he grabs the halter of Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird in the stable area at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, May 3, 2009. Borel came from last to first to win his second Kentucky Derby aboard the colt. (AP Photo/Garry Jones)
AP
Trainer Bennie Woolley Jr., center, miles as he stands in his barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, May 3, 2009. Wooley trains Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)
AP
Trainer Bennie Woolley Jr., talks with reporters outside his barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, May 3, 2009. Woolley trains Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. (AP Photo/Garry Jones)
AP
Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird is held outside his stable by exercise rider Charlie Figueroa at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, May 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Garry Jones)
AP
Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird peers from his stall before dawn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, May 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)
AP
LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 02: Velerie Bertinelli arrives the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jeff Gentner/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Velerie Bertinelli
Getty Images
LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 02: Eli Manning arrives the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jeff Gentner/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Eli Manning
Getty Images
LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 02: A fan's hat near the red carpet at the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jeff Gentner/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** A fan's hat near the red carpet at
Getty Images
LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 02: DMC arrives the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jeff Gentner/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** DMC
Getty Images
LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 02: Lynn Whitfield arrives the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jeff Gentner/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lynn Whitfield
Getty Images
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
In the tradition of Silky Sullivan and Quicken Tree, Mine That Bird comes from WAY off the pace to win. I remember vividly the racing calls as the announcer would shout, "and here comes Quicken Tree". The Belmont is made for this horse; the Preakness, not so much.
The Seabiscut of our times.