Mike Tirico missed the Kentucky Derby due to nut allergy, but feeling better now
NBC Sports anchor Mike Tirico has reassured fans that he is doing well after abruptly exiting Kentucky Derby coverage on Saturday due to a nut allergy reaction.
“I wasn’t feeling well, couldn’t go on with the show,” Tirico said during a remote appearance on NBC’s TODAY show Monday morning. “But I feel fine. I have my coffee, watching the show like I do every morning.”
The 57-year-old veteran broadcaster, who has been part of NBC’s iconic Run for the Roses coverage for years, revealed that the incident was triggered by a snack he ate that unknowingly contained nuts.
“I ate something that had a nut in it and had a nut allergy, causing your throat and your nose… to clog up and swell,” Tirico explained. “It affects your breathing a little bit.”
Tirico quickly administered an EpiPen and received medical attention from EMTs at the track. “I felt better around 8 or 9 o’clock, but it takes a long while to get out of your system,” he added.
Tirico later posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Hate being a scratch after making the starting gate @kentuckyderby. Just a significant reaction to my nut allergy… I’m doing fine now.”
Hate being a scratch after making the starting gate @KentuckyDerby. Just a significant reaction to my nut allergy. If you have one you know how it can knock you down.
Profound thanks to @ChurchillDowns for their care. And to our amazing @nbcsports horse racing family.…Ahmed Fareed stepped in on short notice to co-host the broadcast and offered viewers a quick update. “He is feeling fine now, but he is just going to stay on the sidelines… Hope you’re feeling better, Mike,” Fareed said on air.
The timing of the incident comes during Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month, something Tirico admitted he hadn’t realised until fans pointed it out. He used the moment to spotlight the importance of food allergy awareness.
“There’s a possibility for cross-contamination,” he said. “Restaurants are great about it now, folks, so ask, inquire, be curious and be courteous.”
He also shared a reminder for those hosting others: “Let them know if there’s anything made with nuts.” Tirico noted that his son also suffers from food allergies and urged people to always read food labels carefully.
Despite the scare, Tirico appears to be on the mend — and his Derby absence didn’t overshadow the event, which ended with Sovereignty claiming a surprise win over favourite Journalism.