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NBCS Kentucky Derby coverage was missing a key figure as leading TV station Mike Tirico had to leave on Saturday.
Ahmed Fareed went into the relief of Tirico on Saturday afternoon and advertised Tirico had an unspecified illness.
“Mike, whom you may have heard, feel a little under the weather right now, so I will step in, take over a little,” said Fareed.
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Sportscaster Mike Tirico hosts the Golden Goggle Awards at Faena Forum Miami Beach 7 December 2021 in Miami Beach, Fla. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
FARED also suggested that Tirico can return to the booth later.
“It’s not like baseball. If the closer comes in, the starter can get back in the game. So be sure when Mike is better, he’ll be back right here in this seat,” Fareed.
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Before Tirico’s exit, many fans on social media pointed out that the TV station sounded.
Tirico has led NBC Sports’ Triple Crown coverage since 2017. The nine-year-old race is the longest of any leading TV company as Bob Costas had an 18-year race from 2001-18.
But it is unclear whether he will return in time to this year’s race.
The 151st race by Kentucky Derby has a post -time scheduled for 19:02 one.
