Fort Myers loves the ponies

Who knew Fort Myers was horse country?

According to NBC Sports, the Fort Myers market registered the second-highest TV ratings in the country for the Kentucky Derby earlier this month. The broadcaster cited Nielsen ratings, which tracks viewer habits.

The No. 1 market, of course, was Louisville, Ky.

Bob Beville, the director of sales for Waterman Broadcasting, owner of the Fort Myers NBC affiliate, says the Fort Myers market is a prime area for sports enthusiasts. The area always ranks in the top five markets for golf and in the top 10 the Olympic Games, he says.

Beville says factors for the Derby's appeal included a slew of Derby-related parties in the area. In particular, he says there was tremendous interest in the female jockey Rosie Napravnik. Plus, horse racing is an affluent sport that appeals to the wealthier demographics of the region.