The 146th Kentucky Derby has been rescheduled from May 2 to Sept. 5, 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was announced on Tuesday. The 146th Longines Kentucky Oaks will also be rescheduled from May 1 to Sept. 4, 2020.
The government and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are recommending to either postpone or cancel large gatherings to deal with the coronavirus pandemic that is swarming North America after hitting Asia and parts of Europe in recent weeks. The Kentucky Derby is just the latest to be affected after the NBA and other major sports leagues already suspended their seasons:
“Throughout the rapid development of the COVID-19 pandemic, our first priority has been how to best protect the safety and health of our guests, team members and community,” said Churchill Downs Incorporated CEO, Bill Carstanjen. “As the situation evolved, we steadily made all necessary operational adjustments to provide the safest experience and environment. The most recent developments have led us to make some very difficult, but we believe, necessary decisions and our hearts are with those who have been or continue to be affected by this pandemic.
Our team is united in our commitment to holding the very best Kentucky Derby ever and certainly the most unique in any of our lifetimes. While we are always respectful of the time-honored traditions of the Kentucky Derby, our Company’s true legacy is one of resilience, the embracing of change and unshakeable resolve.”
Those who purchased tickets will be able to attend these events on these new dates. Those who can't make it will be able to request refunds at this site unless the ticket was obtained through a third-party seller.
The Churchill Downs Racetrack has also taken steps to extra-sanitize surfaces along other measures to help combat the spread of the coronavirus. For more, read the statement in full.
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