Kirk Herbstreit Shocks Fans by Revealing Unexpected New Sport Venture—What’s Next for the Football Icon?

With college football tucked away in the offseason, Kirk Herbstreit—ESPN’s sharp-eyed analyst—is zeroing in on a spring spectacle that never fails to stir excitement: the Kentucky Derby. This Saturday marks the 151st running at Churchill Downs, and the buzz is real. Journalism stands tall as the favorite, chasing that elusive Triple Crown spotlight, but Sovereignty, Sandman, and a few savvy long shots like Burnham Square and Luxor Cafe are making their own waves on the odds boards. Now, here’s the kicker—Herbstreit has thrown his hat in the ring with TwinSpires Racing, the Derby’s official betting partner, turning his analytical prowess from the gridiron to the track. Betting $2,400 on a late pick 5 isn’t for the faint of heart, but if anyone’s up for this challenge, it’s him. Will thoroughbred racing deliver the same adrenaline rush as college football? Herbstreit sure sounds like he’s betting on it—and so should you, maybe with a smaller stake! The race kicks off at 6:57 p.m. ET on NBC, and trust me, you’re gonna want to see how this unfolds.
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With college football still several months away from kicking off, ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit is keeping a close eye on a sporting event that always shines during the spring. 

The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby will take place this Saturday at Churchill Downs. Journalism is the current favorite to win this weekend’s race and begin its pursuit of the Triple Crown. 

Journalism isn’t the only top contender heading into the Kentucky Derby. Oddsmakers are also high on Sovereignty and Sandman.

As for this year’s long shots, Burnham Square seems to be a trendy pick at 12-1 odds. Luxor Cafe (15-1 odds) has also been mentioned as a possible threat to win the Kentucky Derby. 

Handicapping horses isn’t easy, but Herbstreit is ready for the challenge. 

Herbstreit announced this week that he teamed up with TwinSpires Racing, the official betting partner of the Kentucky Derby. 

“Coming up on my FAVORITE week of the year! KENTUCKY DERBY,” Herbstreit wrote on X. “Teamed up with TwinSpires to make a few bets-have some fun-starts tonight..let’s try to win a few races this week-Let’s Go!” 

Herbstreit wasted no time sharing his bets for this weekend.

“@KirkHerbstreit invites you to join his BetShare @TwinSpires,” TwinSpires Racing tweeted. “Kirk placed a $2,400 late pick 5 @ChurchillDowns today, and has 73 – $32 shares available in the link below.” 

We’re not sure if thoroughbred racing will provide the same thrill as college football, but Herbstreit sounds fired up for this Saturday’s event. 

The Kentucky Derby will be televised on NBC. The race will begin at 6:57 p.m. ET.  

Related: Kentucky Derby Announcer Will Make History This Weekend