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NBC's Tirico to host Breeders' Cup for first time

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STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) Mike Tirico will host NBC's prime-time coverage of the 2016 Breeders' Cup for the first time.

The races from Santa Anita in Arcadia, California on Nov. 5 will be his first career horse racing assignment. Tirico, who joined the network in July, has handled hosting or play-by-play coverage of football, basketball, golf and the Olympics in his career.

''What a great event and venue for my maiden voyage with our incredibly talented horse racing team,'' Tirico said. ''I've always enjoyed watching the Breeders' Cup cap the year and set the story lines for the following spring. Now I can't wait to experience that in person for the first time.''

The Breeders' Cup Classic is expected to include 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness stakes winner California Chrome, who has six victories in six starts this year and has won more prize money than any North American horse, $13.4 million in career earnings.

NBC also telecasts the Triple Crown in the spring: Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes.