Saw on HLN that the Ky Derby could be moved to June or even September due to the Covid 19 virus. The officials will not run it without an live audience.
More info slated the end of the week…possibly later.
I wonder if the decision will be based on ticket sales, rather than true fear of virus transmission? That is, if there were sufficient ticket sales, but health authorities were concerned that there would be transmission, would they still run it? Hypothetical question.
I would ask why postpone rather than run as scheduled spectator-less as many tracks are doing today.
There should be enough OTB to help balance the offset of specter admission sales.
Yep, it’s not the KY Derby if you cant get drunk in the infield and have mud slide contests.
CDI doesn’t want a Derby without spectators. Not when they can (normally) fill luxury suites that sell for six figures per person.
(Plus, of course, the infield. :lol:)
This I totally get but on the flip side, so much of the entire racing season is built around the TC race schedule. :lol:
In the overall scheme of things a bit of a first world problem for sure. Glad I’m not making that decision!
I just read an article from this morning stating the KY Governor is forcing shut down of all restaurants and bars that are not strictly delivery or drive through.
It doesn’t say for how long, but it doesn’t sound promising. We are watching LRK3DE very closely as I’ve been planning my trip there for a year, and they’re making an announcement this week. I think we will know soon about the Derby as well.
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And God forbid NBC be denied the opportunity to broadcast a bunch of stupid interviews with vaporheaded celebrities about their hats…
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The blessing with TVG is that I can watch (well, at least usually 
) all their multi-track broadcast and switch to NBC about 10-15 minutes before post time so I can see the race live. Same with the BC Classic… (and other races that NBC has the exclusive rights to broadcast live).
I agree with the vapor headed celebrity interviews and their hats :lol:
Seems like some tracks are shutting racing down, including Derby Trail races completely. . Just a few right now but should that increase, it might affect the training schedule of these horses. There was some talk on the FS1 pickup of yesterday’s race telecasts, think Gary Stevens brought it up. Inexperienced colts running in front of empty stands is not typical Derby prep to prepare for the big day if they do hold it with spectators, if mire tracks stop racing, there’s no prep races…
As an area resident, I vote no, it’s not going to go. Even without fans, plenty of people accompany those horses coming in to race and the local area is now shut down(all 3 states). Not smart for those workers. Keeping the horses and their handlers scattered in smaller groups is a better choice both for track workers and the local area surrounding the tracks. IMO.
Guessing maybe June at best. Later more likely especially if they need prep races to tune up.
Its not a simple decision and it’s not just about money.
Keeneland just cancelled their entire spring meet.
