LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – The Kentucky Derby will run without fans for the first time, Churchill Downs announced Friday, citing increasing COVID-19 cases in the area.
It will be the second Triple Crown race this year without spectators, after the Belmont Stakes in June. The Derby and Kentucky Oaks for fillies were postponed from May 1-2 to September 4-5 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Churchill Downs had plans to limit attendance for the 146th Derby to 23,000.
“We were confident in that plan, but committed to staying flexible with the best and most reliable information available,” the track said in a statement. “With the current significant increases in COVID-19 cases in Louisville and throughout the region, we had to reconsider our planning.
“We deeply regret the disappointment this brings to our loyal fans.”
MASTERS TOURNAMENT TO BE MADE TO FANS IN NOVEMBER
The track will reimburse ticket holders for all Derby Week match data.
Churchill Downs said her decision comes with the support of Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who said the virus continues to spread throughout the state. Beshear, a Democrat, also quoted an announcement from the White House that Louisville and surrounding Jefferson County are considered a “red zone” for the virus.
Beshear added that the county had only 2,300 new cases this week and appealed to Churchill Downs for “making the right and responsible decision.”
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Churchill Downs could not allow spectators to attend its delayed spring meeting, which included the Derby’s postponement of the first Saturday in May for the first time since 1945. The exchange also moved the Derby to the middle jewel of the Triple Crown of racing, with the Preakness following on October 3 in Baltimore.
Churchill Downs had its attendance limit based on 14% of the 2015 record of 170,513, with reserved seats limited to 40% occupancy. General permission would have been limited to the 26-acre infield.
Now the Derby and Oaks will leave without one among the Twin Spiers.
“It’s sad and I obviously do not want to repeat it,” Churchill Downs President Kevin Flanery told a news conference. “There are more important things, and right now the important thing is the safety of our community, of our guests.”
