The Hambletonian Society has announced that this year's edition of the Hambletonian saw a ratings jump
for NBC.
According to data provided by The Nielsen Company, NBC Sports’ August 6 telecast of the 86th Hambletonian from the Meadowlands Racetrack registered a 0.5 in ratings compared to a 0.4 last year in the same time slot. The uptick represents an additional 150,000 viewers for the only national broadcast of a harness racing event.
The Oaks, the Hambletonian's companion event for fillies, was also aired live. Driver George Brennan became just the second driver in history to win both races, as he won the 'Hambo' with Broad Bahn and captured the Hambletonian Oaks with Bold And Fresh.
Numbers from The Neilson Company, which appear below, were released today by the Hambletonian Society. The numbers reflect the ratings from the broadcast of August 6 sporting events on ABC, CBS and NBC.
Tom Hammond and Gary Seibel anchored the broadcast, while Kenny Rice and Donna Brothers, part of the award-winning NBC racing team, reported from the front paddock and the racetrack. Meadowlands track announcer Ken Warkentin provided the live race call of the classic events.
(With files from the Hambletonian Society)