The Kentucky Derby is being postponed from May to September because of growing concern about the coronavirus pandemic, according to numerous sources.
CBS Louisville affiliate WLKY-TV cites multiple sources as saying Churchill Downs will put off the Derby from May 2 to September 5, marking the first time in 75 years that it won’t be run on the first Saturday in May.
A formal announcement was to be made Tuesday.
The Courier-Journal of Louisville reported that unidentified sources close to the race told it the derby wouldn’t be run until September 5.
The last time the Derby wasn’t held on the first Saturday in May was in 1945, when the federal government issued a ban on horse racing because of World War II. The ban was lifted on May 8, and the Derby was held on June 9. The only other year the Derby wasn’t held in May was in 1901, when it happened on April 29.
The Derby is the latest major sporting event to be postponed or canceled because of the coronavirus outbreak, joining the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments and the Masters golf tournament. Professional basketball, baseball and hockey leagues also have suspended their seasons.
