Donna Brothers steps away from NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage after 26 races

Donna Brothers has been an integral part of NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage since it acquired the rights to the race in 2001. From speaking to trainers and owners on the walkover to the paddock to interviewing the winning jockey on horseback, Brothers has been front and center for some of the most emotional moments of NBC’s horse racing coverage. Saturday will be Brothers’ final Run for the Roses.

She decided two years ago that this would be her last year, but did not announce it publicly until last week. “I told Lindsay Schanzer, our producer, that I definitely wanted to make it to Kentucky Derby 151 because that would be my 25th Kentucky Derby. But if I had my druthers, I would also like to make it to Derby 152 because then I’ll be 60 years old and I’ll feel like I’ve earned the right to retire,” said Brothers, who turned 60 on April 22.

“And so now I have two careers behind me. I retired from being a jockey in 1998. “There are a lot of people, when I tell ’em I’m going to retire, they seem sad for me.

And they’re like, ‘Oh, I know you’re going to miss it. ’ And I don’t think that’s going to be the case. I’ve had the second-best seat in the house for 26 years, and I really believe that.