The 146th running of The Kentucky Derby will be postponed until the first Saturday in September, according to WDRB News sources. This is the latest major sporting event to be affected by COVID-19. WDRB News reported that Churchill Downs will hold a news conference at 9 a.m. Tuesday to formally announce the move.
The Derby is a consistent $400 million economic boon for Louisville with two weeks of events and celebration in the city, including Thunder Over Louisville. A decision has not be made on the status of Thunder Over Louisville.
The Spring Classic is just the latest event to be delayed in efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Every major professional and collegiate sporting event has been canceled or postponed, and many states have outright bans on crowds greater than 50 people.
There have been no official announcements regarding rescheduling the Preakness from the Maryland Jockey Club and the Belmont Stakes from the New York Racing Association.
In a statement, the Maryland Jockey Club said it is working “to determine the most appropriate time to conduct the Preakness Stakes.”
“Our first priority in these difficult times is the health and welfare of our industry participants and the public at large,” the statement reads. “We are working with state and local governments, our industry participants, media and other affiliates to determine the most appropriate time to conduct the Preakness Stakes. While we are mindful of the challenges these times present, we also know that events like the Preakness Stakes can help restore our sense of place and economic well-being to our communities and state. As soon as we have further clarity on these matters we will inform all.”
NYRA has issued a similar statement regarding the Belmont Stakes.
It is the first time the Derby will not be held on the first Saturday in May since 1945, when it was postponed until June at the end of World War II. While the Triple Crown has always been run in the spring, the day and modern order has only been followed since 1932. The Preakness was run before the Kentucky Derby eleven times. In 1917 & 1922 the Preakness & the Derby were run on the same day. In 1918, due to a major purse increase, 26 horses entered the Preakness & it was run in two divisions, resulting in two winners that year. No Preakness was held in 1891, 1892 and 1893 due to war.
Because of the Maryland Jockey Club’s financial issues and the ban on American gambling, the Preakness moved to Morris Park Racecourse in the Bronx, New York in 1890. From 1894 through 1908, the race was held at Gravesend Race Track on Coney Island, New York. In 1909 it returned to Pimlico and has been held there since.
Churchill Downs has also announced the Kentucky Oaks will be run on Friday, September 4th, 2020.
Photo: Mike Smith rides Justify through the fourth turn and
unto victory during the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby
horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 5, 2018, in
Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
