Mike Tirico is "taking the reins" from Tom Hammond as host of NBC's Triple Crown horse racing coverage, according to Beth Harris of the AP. Hammond has "accepted a reduced role after covering racing for more than 30 years" at the net. He turns 73 on May 10. Hammond, a native of Lexington, Ky., will "host a 30-minute special called 'My Kentucky Home' on NBCSN during the first week in May." In addition, Hammond will be "part of the network's coverage" of the '18 PyeongChang Games in February. Tirico will "make his Triple Crown debut at the Kentucky Derby on May 6, working on the show's main set with analysts Jerry Bailey and Randy Moss." Tirico "joined Hammond for his first horse racing assignment last fall during NBC's coverage of the Breeders' Cup" (AP, 4/25).
Tirico To Replace Hammond As Host Of NBC's Triple Crown Horse Racing Coverage
