The Run for the Roses Is Off

Coronavirus outbreak expected to delay Kentucky Derby until September
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 17, 2020 12:03 AM CDT
Kentucky Derby Postponed for First Time Since WWII
The field breaks from the starting gate during the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.   (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

This year will be the first since 1945 that the Kentucky Derby hasn't taken place on the first Saturday in May. Officials confirmed Monday that to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the race will be postponed for the first time since World War II, when restrictions on horse racing delayed it for around a month, reports the New York Times. Sources tell the Louisville Courier Journal that officials plan to announce a new race date of Sept. 5. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced Monday that the state's primary elections will be delayed until June 23 and restaurants will be restricted to delivery and drive-through service only. "Whether you agree or disagree, I’m doing everything I can to protect our people," Beshear said. "I know it’s tough on everybody. But we can do this." (More Kentucky Derby stories.)

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