Churchill expects to issue update on status of Kentucky Derby 'in coming week'

Churchill Downs has stepped up its timetable for determining when – or if – to hold the Kentucky Derby this year in the wake of nationwide cancellations of large events due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to an alert the company posted on its website on Saturday.

The alert says that Churchill expects “to have an update about the Kentucky Derby and additional information on our spring meet in the coming week.” Earlier this week, the company had only said that it would make a decision about “postponing” the race “closer to the date.”

“We have been working carefully and diligently with relevant health experts and authorities to ensure we make the responsible decision regarding the timing of the 146th Kentucky Derby this year,” the statement said. The Derby is scheduled for May 2.

Nearly all sports leagues in the U.S. have suspended their seasons in an effort to keep the virus from spreading. In addition, many travelers have canceled upcoming plans to board airplanes, amid a widespread reluctance to make travel arrangements in both the short-term and long-term.

“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 said.

Many racetracks announced earlier this week that they would continue racing while banning spectators. On Saturday, Turf Paradise in Phoenix announced that it was abandoning its live race meet altogether, at least until October.

The Kentucky Derby has been held every year since 1875, and it has been held on the first Saturday of May for the past 74 years. The latest the Derby has been was June 9, 1945, shortly after a ban on racing was lifted in the U.S. following the surrender of Nazi Germany in World War II.

The Derby forms the first leg of the Triple Crown, and prep races for the Derby run through the middle of April. Churchill’s spring meet is scheduled to begin on April 25. Derby week officially begins on April 28 with a Tuesday card.

– Additional reporting by Nicole Russo.