Kentucky Derby ratings up for NBC as women tune in

What's the most popular annual sporting event on TV among female viewers? NBC's Kentucky Derby coverage.

Last Saturday's race — won by the dark horse I'll Have Another — gathered 14.8 million total viewers, up 2% from last year, according to Nielsen. It was the third-most-watched Derby in 23 years.

Even more noteworthy: 51% of viewers age 18 or over were women, making the Derby the only annual sporting event that draws more female than male viewers.

The most-watched Derby in recent years was the 2010 race won by Super Saver, which was watched by 16.5 million viewers.

What did you think ofthe Derby?

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-- Scott Collins (twitter.com/scottcollinsLAT)

Photo: I'll Have Another won this year's Kentucky Derby, telecast by NBC. Credit: Rob Carr / Getty Images