[ad_1]
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) The Kentucky Derby will take place without fans next month at Churchill Downs. The cited historical trail is increasing in COVID-19 cases in the Louisville area.
This year it will mark the second Triple Crown race without spectators, after the Belmont Stakes in June. The Derby and Kentucky Oaks for fillies have been postponed from May 1 to 2 to September 4 and 5 due to the coronavirus.
Churchill Downs recently announced a participation limit of 23,000 for the 146th Derby as part of a 62-page health and safety plan for the flagship horse racing event.
“We were confident in this plan, but we are committed to staying flexible using the best and most reliable information available,” Track said in a statement. “With the current significant increases in COVID-19 cases in Louisville as well as across the region, we needed to revisit our planning again.
“We deeply regret the disappointment this will bring to our loyal fans.”
The track will reimburse ticket holders for all Derby Week race dates.
Churchill Downs said his decision came with the backing of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who said the virus was continuing to spread in the state. He also cited a White House announcement that Louisville and surrounding Jefferson County are in a “red zone.”
Beshear added that the county recorded 2,300 new cases this week alone and applauded Churchill Downs for monitoring the virus and “making the right responsible decision.”
Churchill Downs did not clear spectators for its delayed spring competition, which included the postponement of the Derby from the first Saturday in May for the first time since 1945. The change also moved the Derby to the central Triple Crown gem of the race, with the following Preakness October 3 in Baltimore.
The track this summer had announced the limitation of general admission to the 26-acre infield for the Derby before eliminating that and standing room only with updated guidelines. Churchill Downs had based its attendance limit on 14% of the 2015 record of 170,513, with reserved seats limited to 40% occupancy.
From now on, the Derby and the Oaks will take place without anyone under the Twin Spiers.
[ad_2]
Source link