Kentucky Derby latest news (was: Derby to be postponed??)

[ozzy]

I didn’t think things would take this turn but believe this is now not so much a possibility, but rather a certainty.

I put my money on a rescheduled date of June 27. That would be 3 weeks after the Belmont provided the races run according to schedule. Hopefully things will have some semblance of normalcy again by that time. Another option would be late September, 3-4 weeks after the Travers and serve as a BC prep I suppose but can’t see CD doing that as their fall meet begins 9/16.  Fluid situation and dates awarded could change but that’s how I see it playing out given the current racing calendar.

[Badactor]

[big18741]

I really don't see the Derby being run unless they do what Oaklawn and other tracks started doing this weekend.
Given the economic impact for Louisville I doubt they run it with no attendance.

Unfortunately that seems to be the only way that race gets run.
They'll push it into June for now or maybe later but I really don't see it happening,
Hope I'm wrong.

[shoes]

What percentage of the income is from onsite attendance vs OTB (which will go up if no one can go)?

[big18741]

Don't know any of that but Louisville Tourism estimates that the Oaks Derby brings in close to 400 million in revenue to the city.

I had no problem watching and wagering on the Rebel with nobody in attendance(kudos to My Salad for coming up with that Asmussen 80-1)
but certainly understand why CD won't go that route and is hoping to run at a later date.

[Badactor]

In the 145-year history of the race, the Kentucky Derby

has never been canceled and was postponed once, in 1945.

[gam]

The dilemma is they risk it not being run at all. Heck, this is such a fluid situation there’s no guarantee racing isn’t shut down altogether before first Saturday in May. But if they’re still running without crowds, it might be wise to go ahead and at least get their share of the handle. Given that Twinspires is a large hub for internet wagering, they’d still get the full slice of that handle.

[jolyb]

The situation for racing seems to be changing every day.  During the course of this afternoon

Turf Paradise announced the cancellation of the rest of their racing season [until May 3]

Parx announced the cancellation of live racing

Sunland Park announced the cancellation of live racing for three weeks, including the Sunland Derby

Maryland's Governor issued an order which I believe includes a shutdown of racing at Laurel and other MD tracks

I probably missed a few.

[ozzy]

The handle isn't as much as revenue as they make on everything else from ticket sales, etc, or at least that is what I believe I remember.

All for not however I am afraid as I think many other tracks follow suit and suspend racing all together for the next 8 weeks starting by mid-week this week at the latest. With that, no prep season, no traditional Derby. They may run the race in the fall after all as a BC prep. Unprecedented times....

[gam]

Yes, my guess is there won’t be a race run at Keeneland this April.

[Badactor]

[elkurzhal]

Seems like a good time to push it back to a 4 yo series... skip this year and same crop gets their chance next year. Build up more spaced out series leading up to the Travers for 3 year olds. Give fans 2 years of buildup to the derby.

[1hooper]

Posted on March 15.

Therefore, CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.

[spiderjohn]

Looks as if we are having the big shakedown globally. Shutdowns will be the end for many businesses and entities, and opportunities will emerge for the willing, able and adventurous.
Horses still are dying(with much less publicity) and bad actors(lol) are finally being held accountable(we shall see how it plays out long term). Financial casualties are inevitable in every area of business and life in general. The impact will be extreme. Sports/business that dwarf racing are being shut down. Maybe time to look beyond to what really matters to overall quality of life and basic survival?

Will it blow over soon with a quick return to life as it was?
Maybe--probably not. Recovery will be very different imo.
Be happy to make it through, and think about how the next round could be far worse......
one of three old white guys will be president soon---none are anywhere near prepared for this(the globe is not prepared). As usual, take care of your family and yourself--do the smart right things--be responsible and charitable.

Chinese probably brought it on(unintentionally at the time?), possibly to spread in select areas by infecting cruise ships where upon docking, the pandemic would be devastating by the time of recognition. Look at the prevalence in Iran--why there? Terrorism?  Italy? Chinese response seemed extreme at first, however they knew what was really happening, and through very strict measures, have possibly curtailed the worst. US reacted with strict measures.

As strange as it sounds, racing might need this break to re-organize and improve every aspect. if it matters at all....

jmo
?

[ozzy]

Gam, you nailed it. Elk posted the link in the general forum that Keeneland has canceled the spring meet in its entirety and closed its grounds to any new horses after today. Churchill will likely extend its delay on opening its backside as well, perhaps through April. Other tracks may follow the Keeneland path and cancel racing as well so certainly no May Derby. Perhaps they can swap some race dates with Ellis and run in early September/Labor Day after all.

Spider, you are correct as this situation keeps getting worse. Today's announcements and those likely to come will have a significant impact on my business and some entities just won't be able to stay afloat. Sad for sure.

[gam]

Yes, I got the email. The whole situation is scary. If I had to guess, the racing world will look much different 2-3 years from now as will things in our society.

[ozzy]

Look for a Labor Day Derby, announcement tomorrow at 9am with likely date Saturday September 5th. Lots of logistics to get into place but wouldn’t hurt to grab some rooms now before the prices jump!

[gam]

NYRA won’t be happy but let’s just hope things are back to “normal” by then.

[spiderjohn]

hopefully MAXFIELD is at full strength by then
kicking myself for not playing "all other 3yos" in the futures......

[ozzy]

Unofficially official
www.wdrb.com/news/kentucky-derby-to-be-postponed-until-september-as-concerns-heighten/article_5e88ecce-6557-11ea-8c64-1bf69c1bc962.html

[1hooper]

Sept 5? That is one week after The Travers. Shot at NYRA?

[gam]

Assuming they’re racing again, maybe move The Travers to the Jim Dandy weekend and make it a Derby prep?

[ziggy]

I hadn't heard that MD racing was stopped, just that there's no attendance. Casinos are down so maybe a bump to online horse racing wagering.

If they keep jockeys isolated which shouldn't be too hard with nobody there, it's kind of like going to your job.

[elkurzhal]

hopefully the potato crop is harvested by 9/5 so the infield can be open.

[bobtailnag]

So will the Oaks/Derby DBL be a May to Sept wager? If I expire in July will I get my money back? If that does happens I'm taking my ticket with me. I'm sure there are plenty window agents where I'm going.

[ozzy]

As of today plans are for KY Derby to be run September 5th with a maximum of 35,000 attendees in designated seating areas (could go down the 25,000) and 10,000 general admission infield only attendees. Plan is to run the Tuesday - Saturday cards with fans in attendance. Again this is the plan as of today.

[1hooper]

Wishing Kentucky the best.

[ozzy]

Here is the latest.

Derby Plan Announced; Capacity to be Less Than 23,000
www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/242805/derby-plan-announced-capacity-to-be-less-than-23-000

[1hooper]

I assume you are an essential employee under the plan.

[shoes]

Can we change this thread title? Every time I see it with a new post I slightly panic that it has been moved again- or canceled.