A scary moment unfolded behind the scenes at one of America’s biggest sporting events when a key NBC analyst suddenly had to be rushed for emergency medical care just hours before the Kentucky Derby.
Jerry Bailey, a Hall of Fame jockey turned NBC Sports analyst, was noticeably missing during the early part of the network’s broadcast of the 152nd Kentucky Derby on Saturday — leaving viewers wondering what happened.
It turns out, Bailey was dealing with a painful and unexpected health issue: kidney stones.
After receiving treatment, Bailey made a surprising return to Churchill Downs in time to continue coverage, updating viewers live on air.
“It’s good to be back, thanks for waiting for me,” he said. “I’ve got to give a shoutout to the University of Louisville Hospital. The staff there was fantastic.”
Bailey went on to personally thank members of the medical team who treated him, clearly grateful after the sudden health scare.
His co-host, Mike Tirico, welcomed him back with a bit of humor — while also acknowledging how unsettling the moment was.
“It didn’t feel the same without you,” Tirico said. “We got rid of you for a few hours with kidney stones… we’re putting you in bubble wrap next year.”
Tirico even referenced his own on-air health scare during last year’s Derby, when he suffered an allergic reaction after accidentally consuming something with nuts.
Despite the rocky start, Bailey powered through and returned to help cover the iconic “Run for the Roses,” showing just how dedicated he is to the sport.
Bailey, a legendary jockey with thousands of wins and hundreds of millions in career earnings, has been a staple of NBC’s horse racing coverage since 2012 — and fans were clearly relieved to see him back in action after the unexpected scare.
Had them before too. Several times! Really Painful!