When is Kentucky Derby 2020? The 146th Running of the Kentucky Derby will NOT be held on the first Saturday of May. Instead, it will be held on the “First Saturday in September”, sounds strange doesn’t it. This is the third time in history that the Legendary Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY had to move the date of the Kentucky Derby “Run for the Roses” Race.
Update: September 5, 2020
Authentic goes wire to wire to upset the heavily favorite Tiz the Law to win the 146th Running of the Kentucky Derby. Watch them go head to head in the final stretch run of the race. The longshot closer Mr. Big News finished third at 46-1 odds!
UPDATE: August 21, 2020,
Churchill Downs Incorporated announced that the 146th Running of the Kentucky Derby will be WITHOUT Fans. SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS.
The last time was back in 1945 when horse racing was affecting World War II efforts. Director of Office of War Mobilization, James F. Byrnes, requested all horse racing tracks suspend racing. On May 10th, 1945, the horse racing suspension was lifted and the 71st Kentucky Derby was held on a rainy Saturday, June 9th, 1945.
Why the 146th Kentucky Derby is NOT the First Weekend in May!
This time it’s due to the growing concerns of the outbreak of COVID-19 Pandemic. The “Run for the Roses” has been postponed from its original date of Saturday, May 2nd, 2020, to a rescheduled date of Saturday, September 5th, 2020. NBC will still be airing the Kentucky Derby at 3 pm ET.
146th Kentucky Derby Post Positions
Here are the contenders for the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby which is the second leg of the triple crown.
Tiz the Law won the first leg of the triple crown which was the Belmont Stakes back on June, 20th this year.
Will Tiz the Law win the second leg of the triple crown? Find out, this Saturday, September, 5th from Churchill Downs.
The 2020 Kentucky Derby Prep Races are currently in full swing for the re-scheduled 146th running of the Kentucky Derby.
Below is an updated list of the 2019/2020 Kentucky Derby Prep Races with winners and final odds.
Kentucky Derby 2020 Contenders according to the current Kentucky Derby Points Standings.
UPDATE: August 21, 2020,
Churchill Downs Incorporated announced that the 146th Running of the Kentucky Derby will be WITHOUT Fans. Churchill Downs worked very hard to make it safe for spectators, staff, and participants but didn’t feel it would be safe enough. The virus is still spreading aggressively in the Kentucky area and they didn’t want to take a chance. Therefore the 146th Kentucky Derby still can be watched at NBCSports and wagered online. For refund information and FAQ click here.
Attending the 2020 Kentucky Derby 146th “Run for the Roses”
During this pandemic, Churchill Downs has reduced the venue capacity of the 2020 Kentucky Derby. They have developed a safety measure plan to keep their customers, employees, and community as safe as possible.
Churchill Downs is only allowing 14% of its total capacity which is around 23,000 spectators. A record crowd of 170,513 attended back in 2015, but not this year. Reserve seating will have a maximum occupancy of 40%. General Admission, Standing Room Only, or Walk Around tickets will not be sold. General Admission tickets that have already been sold will be refunded, due to the Infield area will be closed.
Upon entering the 146th Kentucky Derby event, guests will have their temperature check and will be required to fill out a medical questionnaire. Guests will be given a “Healthy at the Track” bag that includes (PPE) Personal Protective Equipment.
The PPE bag will include a face mask, personal-use hand sanitizer, and a personal stylus pen to use for betting terminals. Guests are required to Physical Distance and wear a face-covering at all times unless they are actively eating or drinking. Churchill Downs released a 62-page Kentucky Derby 146th Health and Safety Operations Plan, you can get it here.
The 146th Kentucky Derby is in encouraging online wagering platforms for safety and health measures. You can wager at Twinspire, BetAmerica, or TVG.com platforms.
Not Attending the 2020 Kentucky Derby
This doesn’t mean you can’t wager on your favorite horse. Invite a few friends over and have your very own Kentucky Derby 2020 Party and wager online.
Get out your favorite Kentucky Derby Hats and watch the races from the comfort of your own home. Shop the Official Kentucky Derby Store. While social distancing in small groups.
It’s easy to wager online with TVG.com. TVG.com is offering SPECIALS for New Members! By using this Referral link, TVG will give you up to $300 as a Risk-Free Bet. Just place a single horse Win bet, and if you lose, TVG.com will put the wagering cost back into your account as a wagering credit up to $300.
Log on anytime to create an account and take advantage of the many promotions TVG.com has to offer. They also provide handicapping tools such as STATS Race Lens, to find out more check out my review.
Summary of the 146th Kentucky Derby
Where: Churchill Downs, 700 Central Avenue, Louisville, KY
When: Saturday, September 5th, 2020
Time: 6:50 PM ET Post time for the Running of the 146th Kentucky Derby
Attending: Follow the Heath and Safety Operations Plan
Not Attending: Watch on NBC Sports (find your local listing)