Kentucky Derby postponed until September as US battles coronavirus

The Kentucky Derby has been postponed until September 5 due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Churchill Downs announced on Tuesday that the 146th running of the historic race would not take place in its usual slot on the first Saturday of May, with the Kentucky Oaks now planned for September 4. The new dates are subject to the approval of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

There were 25 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Kentucky and one death as of Monday night.

Bill Carstanjen, Churchill Downs Incorporated chief executive, said: "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 and certainly the most unique in any of our lifetimes. While we're 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."

Justify: won the Kentucky Derby in 2018 on the way to US Triple Crown gloryCredit: Benoit Photo

Country House won the race last year after Maximum Security was disqualified, while Justify was successful the previous year on the way to becoming the 13th horse to complete the prestigious US Triple Crown.

The NBA and NHL are among other leading sports events in the US to have suspended play, while the Masters has been postponed.

Moreira to miss Dubai World Cup

Leading jockey Joao Moreira will not ride on Dubai World Cup night on March 28 after the Hong Kong Jockey Club implemented a two-week racecourse ban for anyone who has been outside the territory.

There are at least 155 coronavirus cases in Hong Kong with 57 new positive tests, of which 50 were imported, in the last fortnight.

Japanese hopes Glory Vase (Sheema Classic) and Win Bright (Dubai Turf) were among Moreira's planned mounts.

Joao Moreira: won't be in action on Dubai World Cup nightCredit: Getty Images

Moreira told the South China Morning Post: "It’s just a pity, a big frustration. It’s disappointing that I don’t get to ride the horses, but it’s even more disappointing letting people down because they were counting on me."

Dubai World Cup night will take place without spectators due to the coronavirus outbreak, while crowd restrictions will remain in place for the Hong Kong Derby fixture at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Hong Kong Jockey club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said: "In light of the significant spread around the world, for the next two weeks we want to be extremely conservative.

"We have so far managed to keep our bubble intact but if we're not careful we could jeopardise all the things we have done.

"There's still risk and we want to further reduce it, which is one of the reasons why we decided not to proceed with the further opening of the racecourse for public. We have to keep our bubble intact to ensure we can continue."

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