Mike Tirico abruptly steps away from NBC's Kentucky Derby broadcast after feeling 'under the weather'

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Mike Tirico is a Kentucky Derby regular for NBC Sports, but had to step away on Saturday. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
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One of NBC Sports' signature broadcasts was missing one of the network's signature voices at the Kentucky Derby, as Mike Tirico stepped away from the booth on Saturday.

The veteran host was feeling "under the weather" during the festivities at Churchill Downs and was replaced mid-broadcast by Ahmed Fareed, who didn't rule out his counterpart making a return.

"Mike, as you may have heard, feeling a little under the weather right now, so I'm going to step in, take over for a bit. It is not like baseball. If the closer comes in, the starter can come back in the game, so rest assured when," Fareed said. "Mike's feeling better, he'll be back right here in this seat."

Mike Tirico is feeling "under the weather" and has stepped away from NBC's Kentucky Derby coverage, at least for now. Ahmed Fareed is pinch hitting in the meantime. pic.twitter.com/HetSzxEAJI

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 3, 2025

It's unclear what exactly was ailing Tirico, but morethanafewsocialmediausers noticed him sounding fairly stuffed up while presiding over the opening races of Derby Day, and the decision was apparently made to pull him on at least a temporary basis.

Tirico did sound fairly fine during his appearances on Friday, though, so this issue would be somewhat new rather than something that has been bothering him for multiple days.

Aaron Rodgers and Mike Tomlin is the pairing Mike Tirico wants to see... but is it likely?

"In my soul, I want to see Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh... But as we get down to May, my confidence of that happening has diminished significantly."@heykayadams | @miketiricopic.twitter.com/Gxa1Jpl3gz

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) May 2, 2025

Whether or not Tirico returns, the Kentucky Derby is scheduled to take place at 6:57 p.m. ET at Churchill Downs.

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