The 2020 Kentucky Derby will be postponed, from the first Saturday in May to the first Saturday in September, Louisville, Ky., television station WDRB reported Monday. The coronavirus/COVID-19 global pandemic is at the heart of the decision.
This will be the first time since 1945, when World War II was nearing an end, that the Run for the Roses will not be take place in May.
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Churchill Downs in Louisville, which conducts the Derby, will hold a news conference Tuesday morning to discuss the "timing" of thoroughbred horse racing's marquee event, according to multiple reports. The track has not commented on the WDRB report.
Kentucky Sports Radio, citing sources, reported earlier Monday that a postponement was likely
A postponment to September tracks with what Hall of Fame horse trainer Bob Baffert told reporters Saturday at Santa Anita Park in California.
"Churchill is saying they're not going to run the Derby without the people there, so I'm hearing maybe in June or September," Baffert said, per USA Today .
The Kentucky Derby regularly draws crowds of more than 100,000 for the weekend. Such gatherings will not be allowed while the coronavirus continues to spread and then runs its course. Social distancing is considered a key weapon in slowing the virus.
A move from May 2 to Sept. 5 would put this year's race, the 146th running of the event, on Labor Day weekend.
