Thomas T. Hammond is a native of Lexington and earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Equine Genetics from University of Kentucky. He started journalism career with WVLK Radio, serving as a sports announcer, news director and program director. He was named sports director of WLEX-TV in 1969 and became announcer at the Keeneland sales. Hammond started doing SEC basketball play-by-play for TVS network in 1980, the same year he helped form Hammond Productions, Inc., a video production company specializing in equine production. He was hired as a reporter by NBC for first Breeder’s Cup telecast, which won an Eclipse Award. He has been with NBC serving as a Breeder’s Cup host or co-host since 1987. Hammond has year-round network duties including play-by-plays for National Football League and University of Notre Dame football. Some of his previous experience includes the 1992 Olympics, National Basketball Association, NCAA basketball tournaments, college bowl games, major league baseball and other national world sporting events.