It’s almost impossible to keep track of all the events that have been canceled due to the coronavirus, especially when it comes to our favorite sporting events around the world. For many, the postponement of the Kentucky Derby might hit the hardest. The United States’ longest-running annual sporting event was supposed to take place in May, but it has officially been rescheduled to September amid coronavirus concerns.
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Kentucky Derby Postponed Until September Amid the Coronavirus Health Crisis
Bill Casrstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated, said in a statement, “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. As the situation evolved, we reached the difficult conclusion that we needed to reschedule. At no point did we ever consider canceling the Kentucky Derby.”
The Kentucky Derby will be likely be rescheduled from May 2, 2020, to September 5, 2020, and the Kentucky Oaks should be rescheduled from May 1, 2020, to September 4, 2020.
The postponement also affects the two-week Kentucky Derby Festival, which features over 70 events in the weeks leading up to the Derby. Now, the festival will take place in August.
Matt Gibson, President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Festival, said, “The schedule may look a little different with events moving into a new timeframe, but our goal is to have Thunder Over Louisville, the miniMarathon, the Pegasus Parade, Fest-a-Ville and the Chow Wagon, and many other events in between.”
The Kentucky Derby Festival will release the new dates as soon as they are approved and finalized. So, keep your crazy hats handy. 