Churchill Downs to host virtual ‘Kentucky Derby at Home’

While some states are beginning to lift shelter-in-place orders and reopen local businesses, many large events across the country have been canceled, postponed or moved to digital platforms in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

One such event that’s both postponed and offering digital participation is the Kentucky Derby.

While the official race has been postponed until September 5, Churchill Downs, the company that organizes the annual race, announced Thursday that the organization will host a virtual “Kentucky Derby at Home” on Saturday, May 2.

From 3 to 6 p.m. ET, viewers can tune in to watch the 2015 Kentucky Derby, which started horse American Pharaoh’s historic Triple Crown run, plus “The Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown,” a computer-simulated race between all 13 Triple Crown winners.

Inspired Entertained, the company that created the virtual race, will use data algorithms, including historical handicapping information about each horse, to determine the probability of each horse's potential finishing position.

Fans can vote for the horse they think will win on www.KentuckyDerby.com starting Thursday, April 30. The site will also provide a place for fans to donate to a fund for COVID-19 relief efforts. Churchill Downs will match donations up to $1 million.

"The anticipation of which Triple Crown winner will emerge as the ultimate champion is thrilling, but most importantly, 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 Inc., said in a release. "We urge fans to join us by donating and celebrating with us from home."

The special event is being promoted as a "day-long party" to be celebrated at home, with virtual tours, cocktail recipes, arts and crafts projects, ideas for party decorations and more on the Kentucky Derby Party site. Fans are encouraged to share their experiences with the hashtag #KyDerbyAtHome.

“For many fans around the country, the first Saturday in May has become a part of their family’s yearly traditions,” said Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “While we eagerly look forward to the 146th Kentucky Derby this year on the first Saturday in September, we will celebrate the annual excitement of our traditional date with our fans and community by offering ways for us to join together for a great cause. Our fans will be captivated by the realistic view of the virtual race and we can debate, as we do each year, our favorite to win.”