KEE meet, SUN Derby cancelled; KY Derby to September 5th..

[Hickory Hill Hoff]

Originally Posted by Dahoss

Why?

You really think this will pass by Labor Day? be real

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by Hickory Hill Hoff

You really think this will pass by Labor Day? be real

If people are smart and stay home I’m pretty optimistic. If people don’t, then I think you’re right.

[Hickory Hill Hoff]

Originally Posted by Dahoss

If people are smart and stay home I’m pretty optimistic. If people don’t, then I think you’re right.

This could impact the Breeder's Cup also ...... unbelievable times

[Betsy]

Originally Posted by Dahoss

There’s a pandemic and you’re mad the Derby is postponed?

Oh please, I don’t need to be lectured. I’ve had to cancel my trip to the UK - I suppose I’m not allowed to be disappointed in that also? We have to put all our feelings on hold about everything? Don’t lecture me - I live at home with my 84 year old father, and while he’s in great shape, of course I’m worried about possibly infecting him - or my mother. You don’t know me, you don’t know what I’m feeling, so get off my back. Oh, and if you’re so concerned about the pandemic, why are you posting about racing instead of focusing entirely on this virus? You have no right to judge me.

[moses]

Originally Posted by Betsy

I really loathe a decision to postpone. By then, the colts will be closer to being older horses than 3 year olds - the race itself is more than a test of talent, it's a test of which horses can be precocious enough to be ready for that demanding distance so early in the year and yet sturdy enough to be able to run well at that distance. Now it's just going to be a post-Travers race - too similar to the Travers, in fact it will be exactly the same. Will trainers want to run in both races? Nope, so they’d be forced to choose...

There is no reason why the Derby shouldn't be run in front of a crowdless grandstand. I would also add that the Derby would get extra coverage as pretty much the only sporting event at the time - in September, with pennant race baseball going on as well as the start of the NFL season...and maybe the Masters...it’s going to get lost.

Additionally, if the Derby is postponed, and there's no Preakness, where do these horses run? There aren't any big races within that span because of the TC.... I like Steve Haskins’ idea (from his Derby Dozen):

I love the Derby...this sucks (for many reasons), but I’ll try to enjoy the novelty of the September Derby for this year.

The big flaw in Haskin’s idea is that most states may shut down horse racing in the next few weeks (at least I think so) and it would probably be crazy for a track to do that with the possibility of no fan attendance. I also wouldn’t want it at Santa Anita.

Maybe Laurel should commission a big race in late September between the Derby and Breeders Cup. They wanted the Preakness...maybe they could host the equivalent this year.

It’s going to be weird no matter what.

[moses]

Originally Posted by Dahoss

There’s a pandemic and you’re mad the Derby is postponed?

In fairness to Betsy, I think a lot of people (including myself) were holding onto the Derby as the last sporting event that hadn’t been cancelled and that could maybe restore some normalcy to our lives at a time where the world just seems freaking crazy.

It’s disappointing...but like I said, I’ll enjoy the novelty of the September Derby this year. And yeah, public health is obviously more important than any sporting event. As a sidenote: One thing I’m worried about with this virus is the psychological impact isolation and the disruption of our normal lives will have on people. The physical impact from contracting the virus is one thing but social distancing and all the other adjustments are really going to be difficult for some people.

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by jms62

Any word on whether those tracks that ran last weekend will continue? We really need a diversion.

Aqueduct, Oaklawn, Gulfstream and Fair Grounds plan to race on. Santa Anita undetermined at this point.

https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.co...ow-will-go-on/

[Betsy]

Originally Posted by moses

I love the Derby...this sucks (for many reasons), but I’ll try to enjoy the novelty of the September Derby for this year.

The big flaw in Haskin’s idea is that most states may shut down horse racing in the next few weeks (at least I think so) and it would probably be crazy for a track to do that with the possibility of no fan attendance. I also wouldn’t want it at Santa Anita.

Maybe Laurel should commission a big race in late September between the Derby and Breeders Cup. They wanted the Preakness...maybe they could host the equivalent this year.

It’s going to be weird no matter what.

The thing is, aside from the logistical complications, it’s essentially going up against the Travers. It’s not good for the sport if the top colts all abandon that race so that it’s a shell of itself. I’m not really worried about that as I think more than a few will run there. Then there’s the fact that there is a huge hole in the calendar. Once the preps are over, where are these fit and ready horses supposed to run with no Derby and no Preakness? I admit that I’d always hate the postponement because I think they should have run without crowds - as detailed above - but I would be less upset if doing so didn’t upset the apple cart.


It’s going to go down in the annals of racing history, that’s for sure, lol

[Betsy]

Originally Posted by moses

In fairness to Betsy, I think a lot of people (including myself) were holding onto the Derby as the last sporting event that hadn’t been cancelled and that could maybe restore some normalcy to our lives at a time where the world just seems freaking crazy.

It’s disappointing...but like I said, I’ll enjoy the novelty of the September Derby this year. And yeah, public health is obviously more important than any sporting event. As a sidenote: One thing I’m worried about with this virus is the psychological impact isolation and the disruption of our normal lives will have on people. The physical impact from contracting the virus is one thing but social distancing and all the other adjustments are really going to be difficult for some people.

Yes, this. If they cancelled it, I’d actually have understood more since I’m seeing racing conducted in NY without crowds and it’s seemingly doing fine. It’s nice to see some semblance of normalcy during a time that’s unlike anything we’ve known. I just resent the implication that I’m a bad person or something is wrong with me that I don’t care about people getting sick and dying. I won’t take that from people I know, much less a stranger who has the nerve to judge me.

I listen to sports radio, and it’s been mostly virus radio as there’s been no sports to talk about. They raise a good point that, at least in this day and age, we have our gadgets, computers, etc...to keep in touch with people. Essentially being confined to your home is going be hard, but we can still go outside, walk, etc...as long as we’re not too close to people or in crowds. I guess this is the new normal for awhile.

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by Betsy

Oh please, I don’t need to be lectured. I’ve had to cancel my trip to the UK - I suppose I’m not allowed to be disappointed in that also? We have to put all our feelings on hold about everything? Don’t lecture me - I live at home with my 84 year old father, and while he’s in great shape, of course I’m worried about possibly infecting him - or my mother. You don’t know me, you don’t know what I’m feeling, so get off my back. Oh, and if you’re so concerned about the pandemic, why are you posting about racing instead of focusing entirely on this virus? You have no right to judge me.

I’m not lecturing you. Just found your outrage about the Derby odd in a time like this.

Save your lectures and tantrums for someone else. It’s a message board. You post, people respond. That’s the way it works.

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by moses

In fairness to Betsy, I think a lot of people (including myself) were holding onto the Derby as the last sporting event that hadn’t been cancelled and that could maybe restore some normalcy to our lives at a time where the world just seems freaking crazy.

It’s disappointing...but like I said, I’ll enjoy the novelty of the September Derby this year. And yeah, public health is obviously more important than any sporting event. As a sidenote: One thing I’m worried about with this virus is the psychological impact isolation and the disruption of our normal lives will have on people. The physical impact from contracting the virus is one thing but social distancing and all the other adjustments are really going to be difficult for some people.

The world is crazy right now. Whether you or Betsy like it, Churchill has shareholders they have to think about. I’m sure this decision wasn’t easy but again, regardless of how infuriated Betsy is, it’s the right one. All other major sports have cancelled for the foreseeable future. I mean, the March Madness tournament cancelled.

We’re fortunate enough to live in a time where we have Netflix, libraries at our disposals, the ability to FaceTime people, etc. If you’re lucky enough to avoid you or someone you love getting this, social distancing and isolation will be the least of your problems.

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by Betsy

The thing is, aside from the logistical complications, it’s essentially going up against the Travers. It’s not good for the sport if the top colts all abandon that race so that it’s a shell of itself. I’m not really worried about that as I think more than a few will run there. Then there’s the fact that there is a huge hole in the calendar. Once the preps are over, where are these fit and ready horses supposed to run with no Derby and no Preakness? I admit that I’d always hate the postponement because I think they should have run without crowds - as detailed above - but I would be less upset if doing so didn’t upset the apple cart.


It’s going to go down in the annals of racing history, that’s for sure, lol

I highly doubt the Travers will be run a week before the Derby. People will make adjustments to their stakes schedule I’m sure.

[moses]

Originally Posted by Dahoss

The world is crazy right now. Whether you or Betsy like it, Churchill has shareholders they have to think about. I’m sure this decision wasn’t easy but again, regardless of how infuriated Betsy is, it’s the right one. All other major sports have cancelled for the foreseeable future. I mean, the March Madness tournament cancelled.

We’re fortunate enough to live in a time where we have Netflix, libraries at our disposals, the ability to FaceTime people, etc. If you’re lucky enough to avoid you or someone you love getting this, social distancing and isolation will be the least of your problems.

Agreed 100%. They’ve made the right decision. And I agree that social distancing and isolation is much better than the alternative. My wife, daughters, and I have been essentially self-isolating since Thursday. I’ve had to argue with countless family members who thought this was all a media-driven overreaction. They’ve all finally come around.

And I also agree we’re lucky to have all that technology. My daughters have had the chance to facetime my mom and their friends. It’s really great. And we can order stuff off Amazon and have groceries delivered and do curbside pickup and the ability to work from home.

I was only trying to say that I can understand that people are upset.

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by moses

Agreed 100%. They’ve made the right decision. And I agree that social distancing and isolation is much better than the alternative. My wife, daughters, and I have been essentially self-isolating since Thursday. I’ve had to argue with countless family members who thought this was all a media-driven overreaction. They’ve all finally come around.

And I also agree we’re lucky to have all that technology. My daughters have had the chance to facetime my mom and their friends. It’s really great. And we can order stuff off Amazon and have groceries delivered and do curbside pickup and the ability to work from home.

I was only trying to say that I can understand that people are upset.

Fair enough. I’m not trying to minimize people’s feelings. We’re lucky we had racing last weekend and maybe this week but I’m not sure how much longer we’ll have it.

I’m trying to have an open mind about the Derby. This might be a blessing in disguise. We might see some really good racing later in the year because of this.

[herkhorse]

We might even get a few good 4 year olds running next year.

[Kasept]

Derby rescheduled from May 2, 2020 to September 5, 2020

The 146th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve will be rescheduled from May 2, 2020 to September 5, 2020 and the 146th Longines Kentucky Oaks will be rescheduled from May 1, 2020 to September 4, 2020. These dates are contingent upon final approval from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission which we expect to receive on Thursday, March 19.

Churchill Downs Incorporated CEO, Bill Carstanjen, stated: “Throughout the rapid development of the COVID-19 pandemic, our first priority has been how to best protect the safety and health of our guests, team members and community. As the situation evolved, we steadily made all necessary operational adjustments to provide the safest experience and environment. The most recent developments have led us to make some very difficult, but we believe, necessary decisions and our hearts are with those who have been or continue to be affected by this pandemic.

Our team is united in our commitment to holding the very best Kentucky Derby ever and certainly the most unique in any of our lifetimes. While we are always respectful of the time-honored traditions of the Kentucky Derby, our Company’s true legacy is one of resilience, the embracing of change and unshakeable resolve.
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[Betsy]

Originally Posted by moses

Agreed 100%. They’ve made the right decision. And I agree that social distancing and isolation is much better than the alternative. My wife, daughters, and I have been essentially self-isolating since Thursday. I’ve had to argue with countless family members who thought this was all a media-driven overreaction. They’ve all finally come around.

And I also agree we’re lucky to have all that technology. My daughters have had the chance to facetime my mom and their friends. It’s really great. And we can order stuff off Amazon and have groceries delivered and do curbside pickup and the ability to work from home.

I was only trying to say that I can understand that people are upset.

I think there’s been some kind of misunderstanding - I wanted the race to be run without people, as NY and CA are doing. In no way was I suggesting the race should be run as usual.

[Betsy]

Originally Posted by Dahoss

I highly doubt the Travers will be run a week before the Derby. People will make adjustments to their stakes schedule I’m sure.

That’s true...I’m not sure trainers will want to run two 1 1/4 back to back, but they can always prep for the BC with a 1 1/8 race like the Woodward. Tracks will need to work together - maybe reschedule other races for the May, June period.

[ScottJ]

Originally Posted by Betsy

I think there’s been some kind of misunderstanding - I wanted the race to be run without people, as NY and CA are doing. In no way was I suggesting the race should be run as usual.

This is the key point. New York and California are trying to lead the way based on their generation of on-line handle to keep all of the social distancing aspects in place while giving those involved with the industry a chance to earn a living.

Originally Posted by Betsy

That’s true...I’m not sure trainers will want to run two 1 1/4 back to back, but they can always prep for the BC with a 1 1/8 race like the Woodward. Tracks will need to work together - maybe reschedule other races for the May, June period.

If those at Churchill spoke with the California and New York racing entities to discuss the impact on their scheduling to hold a Labor Day Derby, I am completely on board. However, if Churchill did this unilaterally without business consideration for the other racing jursidictions, exactly why do California and New York need to fall in line behind a year-round second tier circuit? To support the game?

[ScottJ]

NYRA press release : https://www.nyra.com/belmont/news/ny...belmont-stakes

Notice the clear delineation between Churchill's decision and anything to do with NYRA. In other words, this was NOT worked through the horse racing system and appears to be exclusively a Churchill Derby Day cash grab in coordination with NBC coverage. The Kentucky Derby is officially a scratch from my race card interest in 2020.