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Ahmed Fareed steps in as Kentucky Derby host for NBC

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated May 3, 2025 6:52 PM ET

It’s a good thing NBC had Ahmed Fareed warming up in the bullpen on Saturday so he could step in and relieve Mike Tirico.

Tirico began hosting NBC’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, but it was clear immediately that he did not sound right. He lasted under an hour before NBC decided to remove their starter and go to Fareed in the bullpen.

“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,” Fareed said.

Fareed noted that Tirico could still return.

“It is not like baseball. If the closer comes in, the starter can come back in the game,” Fareed said.

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

Fareed began working with NBC Sports Network in 2019. He has provided college football and college basketball coverage for them, while also filling in on NBC’s NFL package occasionally. His presence sure came in handy on Saturday with Tirico not feeling well.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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