The Kentucky Derby Is Postponed, But Will Still Run

The Kentucky Derby is the most viewed horse race of the entire year in the United States. It is considered the most storied and most prestigious of all of the horse races. However, it is always held in May, and this year that was simply not possible. The Derby was postponed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Racing fans were left without many answers as to how or when the race would be held. However, we got some more information on that just recently.

Reporting tells us know that Churchill Downs will hold the Kentucky Derby in September of this year. It will be held without many spectators in the stands due to continued fears about community spread between individuals. It will be the first time since 1945 that the race will not be run in May. The desire was for the event to be held with spectators, but that was appearing less and less of a possibility as time went on, and eventually the organizers simply had to postpone the entire event and hold it without many spectators.

People will still have the opportunity to wager on the event of course. They would have to do so from any number of OTB locations or via some mobile apps in states that now permit horse race wagering via mobile apps. A number of states do this, and the Kentucky Derby is expected to generate a lot of wagering on it.

A limited number of people will be allowed to attend the Derby in-person. After getting in touch with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, the operators of Churchill Downs made the decision that they would allow reduced capacity in general admission, some outdoor reserved seating, and the premium dining suites. They will severely limit the number of people who attend in an effort to keep the virus spread down as much as possible.

The people at Churchill Downs are still talking up their event saying that they intend to hold the best Kentucky Derby ever. The fans will be the ultimate decider on that issue, but it is likely that the Derby will be among the most viewed in history regardless. It seems likely that the Kentucky Derby as we know it will forever be changed by the fact that it has been scheduled like this, but that may not be such a bad thing. Sometimes stirring up tradition is just what the doctor ordered.