Kentucky Derby closes infield to fans over virus concerns
WASHINGTON: The 146th Kentucky Derby will cut spectators to fewer than 23,000 for next month’s Triple Crown horse race under a new safety plan unveiled Wednesday axing infield general admission tickets.
The move comes in the wake of the COVID- 19 pandemic that forced the Churchill Downs 1 1/4- mile dirt classic to move from its traditional first Saturday in May spot to Sept.5.
Churchill Downs officials said attendance will be only 14% of its total capacity and a maximum of 40% of the track’s seating capacity.
With temperature checks, medical screening, social distancing and masks required for all spectators under a 62- page health and safety plan.
The Derby, usually the opening leg of the US flat racing Triple Crown series, will be the middle jewel of the treble this year, with the Belmont Stakes being run in June near New York and the Preakness, traditionally contested two weeks after the Derby, set for Oct. 3 at Pimlico in Baltimore.
Tiz the Law won the Belmont, usually the last of the three races for three- year- old thoroughbreds, and hopes to win again in Louisville to sustain his hopes of a Triple Crown sweep, a feat done only 13 times, most recently by Justify in 2018.
The Derby, first staged in 1875, is the longest continuously staged US sports event.
Organisers said in late June they planned to allow general admission patrons into the 26-acre infield but changed their minds over social distancing and other health concerns.
Standing Room Only tickets have also been eliminated over distancing issues.
Guests at the race will receive a mask and hand sanitizer with devices available for non-contact self-service wagering.
“The opportunity to safely welcome back a limited number of guests to Churchill Downs on the first week of September is a privilege that our team doesn’t take for granted,” said Churchill Downs president Kevin Flanery.
“Our extensive plan meets or exceeds all recommended state and local guidelines. We will have fewer guests at this year’s Derby as reducing the size of the crowd is an important step to ensuring a safe environment.”