With coverage of the Kentucky Derby lasting several hours on Saturday, viewers had plenty of time to weigh in on some pressing topics. They highlighted the action on the track, as well as the personalities providing commentary.
Videos by FanBuzz
One particular individual who took center stage for multiple reasons was Steve Kornacki. The NBC political analyst joined in on coverage of the Kentucky Derby to fill multiple roles.
He discussed bets to make and highlighted why he didn't choose the favorite entering the weekend, Renegade. He also taught the next generation about Derby Fever and the prize purse.
As it turns out, his comments about Renegade proved mostly correct. The favorite finished second in the event while longshot Golden Tempo went from last to first. Ocelli finished third while Chief Wallabee, the other horse highlighted by Kornacki, crossed the line in fourth place.
Some viewers appreciated Kornacki's approach to coverage of the biggest event in horse racing. Others, however, explained why they did not enjoy experience.
"NBC's insistence on forcing Steve Kornacki into sports coverage remains annoying. He's just twitchy lunatic," one person posted on X during NBC's coverage. Another person provided a different opinion, writing that they were "Obsessed with Steve Kornacki covering the derby."
Obviously, this is the internet, so the opinions varied based on each person posting on social media. Some focused on Kornacki's mannerisms or personality. Others looked at the way he could bounce back and forth between election night coverage and horse racing odds.
One person, in particular, highlighted the "Unbelievable versatility from Steve Kornacki year after year" while showing off the differences between politics and horse racing. Another indicated that they are tired of the analyst appearing on NBC, writing, "If I never saw Steve Kornacki again on my TV it would still be too often."
Steve Kornacki is the most obnoxious thing on TV! Thank God, he’s off of .@MSNOWNews
— Elvis A Manning (@manning_elvis16) May 2, 2026
Steve Kornacki has run his course. Let’s collectively move on.
— Pat Lafartaine (@ClamBakeSkank) May 2, 2026
If you like Steve Kornacki with his election night maps and numbers (who doesn’t?!), you should watch him do his thing with horses….. #KentuckyDerby #SteveKornacki #NBC
— Kelly Rosati (@KellyMRosati) May 2, 2026
Kornacki on derby coverage 10/10
No notes— polarbeardefender (@kellynj512) May 2, 2026
