Coronavirus: Kentucky Derby 2020 'update' within a week

In an open letter published Saturday, seven weeks out from the 2020 Kentucky Derby's scheduled date, Churchill Downs officials said they expect an update this week regarding the race and accompanying Spring Meet amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

While American racetracks have in large part continued business as usual, only with doors closed to the public to prevent the spread of coronavirus, "the time-honored traditions of the Kentucky Derby are as much about the fans as the race itself," Churchill's message reads.

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The Derby, which is a time-sensitive event given it's restricted to 3-year-olds and begins the prestigious Triple Crown series, has been run 89 times on the first Saturday in May, including each year since 1946.

Billed as the longest continuously held major sporting event in the U.S., the Derby has continued amid wars and The Great Depression, among other societal disruptions. The Derby has run outside of May only twice, according to Churchill Downs' records: on April 29, 1901, and June 9, 1945.

Pimlico's Preakness Stakes is scheduled for May 16 before the Belmont Stakes three weeks later on June 6.

In the near term, Churchill Downs will remain open for simulcasting with its housekeeping staff doubled to ensure the highest sanitary standards. Guests are also allowed to bring their own hand sanitizer on site until further notice.

"Nothing is more important at Churchill Downs Racetrack than the safety and health of our guests, team members, and participants," Saturday's statement reads. "We will continue to be fully transparent with our plans going forward and will be sure to inform our fans, followers, and friends of any updates or changes to our regular operations as well as information regarding Kentucky Derby 146 and our upcoming Spring Meet."