The plan encourages guests and staff at Churchill Downs to wear masks, wash their hands and keep their distance from each other in the stands and in the barns.
The Kentucky Derby planned for Sept. 5 will allow spectators to watch the race in person, track officials announced Thursday as they outlined health precautions including masks, fewer interactions throughout the venue and spaced out guest areas.
The plan, developed with the local health and labor departments, encourages guests to wash their hands frequently and remain socially distant. But it was not clear how many guests would be allowed at Churchill Downs Racetrack, the venue in Louisville, Ky., that has hosted the race since 1875 and welcomed more than 150,000 fans for the Derby last year.
It was also unclear how the protocols would be enforced, though officials said they would “severely” limit access throughout the facility. General admission tickets would be sold only for the track’s infield, and “Guests will be consistently and frequently encouraged to wear a mask at all times unless seated in their reserved seat or venue,” the plan said.
Tickets purchased for the originally scheduled derby are automatically valid, the announcement said.
“Both employees and guests are asked to take an active role in following all guidelines. said Kevin Flanery, the track’s president. “We must all do our part to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.”
Typically the starting race for the Triple Crown, the Derby was moved from April to September because of the coronavirus pandemic. The only other time the race has been delayed was during World War II.
The movement of the Derby and the Preakness Stakes, which was delayed from May 16 until Oct. 3, meant that the Belmont Stakes was the last leg of the Triple Crown this year. Tiz the Law won that race on Saturday in front of no live fans.