Churchill Downs will be desolately empty on Saturday, as the novel coronavirus pandemic forced the postponement of the Kentucky Derby for the first time since 1945.
While fans may not flock to the track in Kentucky on Saturday, they will still be able to watch the race. Or rather, a virtual version of it. The racetrack will host its first-ever computer-simulated Kentucky Derby this weekend, dubbed "The Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown"
Traditionally held on the first Saturday in May, the first leg of the Triple Crown has been postponed to September 5 as the sport complies with lockdown and social distancing measures put in place in an effort to stem the outbreak.
While gambling isn't allowed during the virtual race, fans are encouraged to donate online with all the proceeds going to COVID-19 relief funds.
"Churchill Downs has pledged to match up to $1 million of donations with funds to be directed to the Team Kentucky Fund and Direct Relief," the organizers said in a press release.
"A small percentage will be earmarked for the R.E.I.N. Fund (Relief for Equine Industry Needs), a program managed by Churchill Downs Foundation designed to benefit workers of the backside whose livelihood has been impacted by COVID-19 and also to help ensure essential care for horses throughout the pandemic."
Here's all you need to know.
When is the Kentucky Derby?
The virtual version of the race will take place at 5:45 p.m. ET on May 2, the same date the real event was originally scheduled for.
Provided the world has return to relative normality, the Kentucky Derby featuring real horses and real jockeys will be held on September 5.
How will the virtual Kentucky Derby work?
On Saturday, 13 past Triple Crown winners will compete in the virtual Kentucky Derby. Organizers have said the computer-simulated version of the race will "use data algorithms including historical handicapping information about each horse, which helps to determine the probability of their potential finishing positions."
TV coverage and live stream
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most-watched events in the U.S. and the first-ever virtual version will be broadcast by NBC.
A live stream will be available on NBC Sports website.
From our Old Kentucky home to yours. We look forward to seeing you again underneath the Twin Spires on the first Saturday in September. 🥃#KYDerbyAtHome @WoodfordReserve pic.twitter.com/O0Tuc6KdEF
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 29, 2020
Field
Thirteen previous Triple Crown winners will take part in the race on Saturday, beginning with 1919 winner Sir Barton. Gallant Fox, Omaha and War Admiral, who clinched the Triple Crown in 1930, 1935 and 1937 are also among the participants, as are Whirlaway and Count Fleet, winners in 1941 and 1943. Assault, winner of the first post-World War Two Triple Crown in 1946 is in the field along with Citation, who won the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes and Preakness Stakes in 1948.
The 1970s are represented by Secretariat, who became the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years in 1973, Seattle Slew and Affirmed, who triumphed in 1977 and 1978 respectively. American Pharoah and Justify, winners in 2015 and 2018 respectively, complete the field.
- Affirmed
- Assault
- Secretariat
- Sir Barton
- Seattle Slew
- American Pharoah
- Gallant Fox
- Citation
- War Admiral
- Whirlaway
- Count Fleet
- Justify
- Omaha
Odds
While betting is not allowed as the race is a charity event, fans are encouraged to try and pick the winner on KentuckyDerby.com as all the profits will go towards COVID-19 relief funds.
Those who correctly select the eventual winner will enter a draw to win the a Kentucky Derby 146 VIP Experience.
"We are proud to use this platform as a force for good by raising money for these worthy COVID-19 emergency initiatives," Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated, said in a statement. "We urge fans to join us by donating and celebrating with us from home."
Secratariat is a 7/2 favorite, followed by Citation and Whirlaway at 4/1, while Omah, Affirmed and Seattle Slew are all at 5/1. American Pharoah and Count Fleet are next in line at 6/1, followed by War Admiral and Justify at 8/1 and 15/1 respectively and Assault and Gallant Fox both 20/1 outsiders.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Dan Cancian is currently a reporter for Newsweek based in London, England. Prior to joining Newsweek in January 2018, he ... Read more
