NBC Sports anchor Mike Tirico made an unexpected departure from the network’s Kentucky Derby coverage on Saturday after suffering a “significant reaction” due to his nut allergy.

As news of his sudden exit sparked concern among viewers, Tirico addressed the situation on X, expressing gratitude to his colleagues for their support and reassuring fans about his condition.

“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.  Especially Randy, Jerry & Ahmed Fareed. So lucky to have @SyracuseU fam step in and do such a great job.”

Earlier, TMZ reported that Fareed covered for Tirico saying “Mike, as you may have heard, is a little under the weather right now.” No further details were provided.

The Kentucky Derby is a prestigious horse racing event held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Often called “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” the race features three-year-old Thoroughbreds competing over a 1¼-mile dirt track. It is the first leg of the Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Known for its rich traditions, the Derby is celebrated with extravagant hats, mint juleps, and Southern pageantry. Attendees include celebrities and racing enthusiasts, making it both a sporting spectacle and a cultural event deeply rooted in American history.

Mike Tirico is a seasoned American sportscaster best known for his work with NBC Sports and previously ESPN. He currently serves as the lead primetime host for NBC’s coverage of major events, including the Olympics, Sunday Night Football, and the Kentucky Derby. Tirico began his career at ESPN in the early 1990s, where he anchored SportsCenter and covered a wide range of sports, including golf, tennis, and the NFL. He joined NBC in 2016 and quickly became one of the network’s most trusted voices in sports broadcasting.