Churchill Downs plans to make Kentucky Derby decision next week in wake of coronavirus
Amid cancellations of major sporting events because of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, Churchill Downs announced Saturday that it plans to provide an update on the timing of this year's Kentucky Derby sometime next week.
"This is not a decision we take lightly and we expect to have an update about the Kentucky Derby and additional information on our upcoming Spring Meet in the coming week," read a message posted on the Kentucky Derby website.
The 146th running of the Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday, May 2. Regularly attended by some 160,000 spectators, the Run for the Roses has an estimated $400 million in economic impact for the Louisville area.
The sole postponement in the race's history was in 1945, when it was held in June. The U.S. government temporarily suspended racing nationwide for much of the first half of the year amid a final push to win World War II.
"We are mindfully aware of our fans who travel from great distances to join us as well as our valued employees whose most intense preparations to host a world-class event begin now," the statement reads.