The 2020 Kentucky Derby was postponed to the first Saturday in September because of the coronavirus pandemic, but there was still a Run for the Roses on the first Saturday in May.
It took place through a computer simulation and it pitted all 13 Triple Crown-winning horses against each other. Think of it as that dream race to settle debates over which legendary champion was the greatest.
MORE: List of Kentucky Derby winners, Triple Crown champions
For those who back Secretariat, collect your . . . well, plaudits because there weren't any dollars on the line.
The 1973 Triple Crown champion ran down 1977 champ and early leader Seattle Slew in the stretch to take the Triple Crown Showdown at cyber Churchill Downs. Citation, the 1948 Triple Crown winner, got up late for second. Seattle Slew held on for third.
Watch it again! The 13 Triple Crown winners face off in a virtual race under the Twin Spires of Churchill Downs.
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 2, 2020
Donate to COVID-19 relief at https://t.co/6W7xpgby5a. | #KyDerbyAtHome pic.twitter.com/QCDkrrPB5p
The "official order" of the race from Churchill Downs:
Official order of finish for @KentuckyDerby Triple Crown Showdown:
— Churchill Downs PR (@DerbyMedia) May 2, 2020
1-Secretariat
2-Citation
3-Seattle Slew
4-Affirmed
5-American Pharoah
6-Whirlaway
7-Count Fleet
8-Justify
9-Assault
10-War Admiral
11-Omaha
12-Gallant Fox
13-Sir Barton pic.twitter.com/jflih5J0cg
NBC broadcast the virtual race as part of its Kentucky Derby flashback coverage Saturday, but the event wasn't just made for TV: Proceeds from online donations before and after the race will go to COVID-19 relief.
