NBC sportscaster Mike Tirico leaves Kentucky Derby with scary allergic reaction as Sovereignty wins race

It was a memorable day at Churchill Downs for a variety of reasons.

It started with NBC Sports host Mike Tirico bowing out of the coverage of the grand race after suffering an allergic reaction due to a nut allergy.

Tirico took to X to post a message letting everyone know why he was all of a sudden absent from the broadcast’s coverage of the 151st Kentucky Derby.

“Hate being a scratch after making the starting gate @KentuckyDerby,” Tirico wrote.

“Just a significant reaction to my nut allergy. If you have one you know how it can knock you down.

“Profound thanks to Churchill Downs for their care. And to our amazing NBC Sports horse racing family.

“Especially Randy, Jerry & Ahmed Fareed. So lucky to have Syracuse fam step in and do such a great job.”

The coverage of the event went off without a hitch for the most part, as NBC was able to work around Tirico’s sudden absence as best as they could.

Meanwhile, on the wet and muddy track, it was Sovereignty who was able to hold off the 3-1 favorite Journalism down the stretch to win the 151st Kentucky Derby.

The three-year-old colt was showered with garlands of roses, as trainer Bill Mott, jockey Junior Alvarado and the Godolphin team celebrated amongst the muddy track.

Sovereignty entered the race with 9-1 odds.

“This one got there the right way,” Mott said after the race.

“I mean, he’s done well, he’s a great horse, he comes from a great organization.

“I can’t say enough about the horse and the organization that started him out and made this happen.”

The Churchill Downs crowd was in a frenzy as the race came down to Sovereignty and Journalism in the final stretch.

It was a day to remember at the track.

What started with a scary nut allergy for Tirico, ended with a Sovereignty triumph.

And with that, the 151st Kentucky Derby comes to an end.