The 146th running of The Kentucky Derby will be postponed until September due to rising concerns over COVID-19.
This is the first time that the Derby will not be held on the first Saturday of May since it was postponed till June in 1945. The 2020 Derby will officially be held on Saturday, September 5th. This is typically when the Kentucky State Fair is held in Louisville, Kentucky.
Kentucky Derby Postponed: What Does this Mean for the Economy?
Undoubtedly, The Derby is something that the city of Louisville depends on economically, bringing in approximately $400 million to the city alongside a series of events leading up to it.
- Kentucky Derby Festival
- Thunder Over Louisville
- The Great Steamboat Race
- Thurby
- The Pegasus Parade
- Kentucky Oaks
- Kentucky Derby
>> Making travel re-arrangements? Check out the perfect bourbon themed hotel.
Just a few weeks ago prior to the Kentucky Derby being postponed, Woodford Reserve released its 2020 Kentucky Derby bottle. As a presenting sponsor of the derby, the bottle features a watercolor image of thoroughbreds with the Twin Spires in the background by artist Richard Sullivan (a former Atlanta braves player.)
“Churchill is saying they’re not going to run the Derby without the people there, so I’m hearing maybe June or in September.” – Bob Baffert
Bob Baffert (upon hearing about possible Derby postponement.)
Along with Churchill Downs, Keeneland is also taking precautions by not allowing spectators during races. >> More information here. Updates on derby related festivities to come, all cancellations have not been confirmed.
