The 146th Kentucky was originally scheduled for May 2, but the race was postponed in March due to COVID-19. The annual event featuring big hats, mint juleps and some exciting competition was moved to September. However, this didn’t mean that the first Saturday in May would be devoid of racing.
In lieu of the actual Kentucky Derby, a virtual race was broadcast. The past 13 Triple Crown winners faced off against each other in a simulation. Secretariat was the heavy favorite heading into the event, and the horse took care of business on Saturday afternoon. The finishing order of Seattle Slew and the other horses was not revealed.
Videos by PopCulture.com
“For many fans around the country, the first Saturday in May has become a part of their family’s yearly traditions,” Churchill Downs president Kevin Flanery said, per CNN. “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.”
While the virtual race was taking place, fans of the Kentucky Derby were celebrating at home. They may not have been able to head to the track, but that wasn’t going to stop their fun. These fans dressed up in fancy clothes, put on gigantic hats and made mint juleps. They made the most of the afternoon while getting heavily invested in the virtual race.
#KyDerbyAtHome we all enjoyed being safe at home together #kentuckystrong during this beautiful derby 🐎 day, 2020! #healthyathome pic.twitter.com/5q3LH2EMYm
— carla (@cymlovesfashion) May 2, 2020
Secretariat won! My horse won! 🤗🤗🤗😍
— Amelia (@abparrish083) May 2, 2020
Thank you KY Derby for this virtual race. Until September! #KyDerbyAtHome #DerbyDay https://t.co/4DLZjJWhZW
Celebrating #KyDerbyAtHome! pic.twitter.com/EEELcDnM61
— Joey Barr (@jbarr1650) May 2, 2020
First Sunday in May is #KyDerbyAtHome this year so we said #WTH and dressed up to pick former triple crown horses, cheer, and have some @LaughingSunBrew smoked ribs and turkey! #SafeAtHome pic.twitter.com/WVfPSyyPZK
— joshaskvig (@joshaskvig) May 2, 2020
Fresh tulips for #KyDerbyAtHome pic.twitter.com/A9sqDNGEml
— Amber Lee (@SunnyWonny) May 2, 2020
After what happened last year, it’s hilarious that there’s a clear infraction at the top of the far turn. #KyDerbyAtHome https://t.co/QU7EdPQHfy
— David Schuh (@DavidSchuh24) May 2, 2020
For those wanting full #KyDerbyAtHome race results: pic.twitter.com/lmvzvJV6h6
— Sheepie Niagara (@sheepieniagara) May 2, 2020
Cheers y’all! #KyDerbyAtHome pic.twitter.com/IMpXH5mVLj
— Julie (@julieamichael) May 2, 2020
Fantastic! Enjoyed this a lot. #KentuckyDerby #KyDerbyAtHome https://t.co/WvsJNlR5OF
— Levi Denny (@tgslevi) May 2, 2020
Secretariat is the GOAT even in simulation, but IRL Steve Cauthen never would’ve let Affirmed get boxed in like that #KyDerbyAtHome #KentuckyDerby
— Daphne Baille (@DaphneBaille) May 2, 2020
#KyDerbyAtHome pic.twitter.com/olHXErCZQa
— Shelia Hoh (@silescot) May 2, 2020
So right now the @KentuckyDerby would be rocking. I’d be screaming and yelling. And having a #MintJulep and an #OaksLily or 3. @ChurchillDowns would be full of big hats and colorful clothes. How I miss it!! #Memories #KyDerbyAtHome pic.twitter.com/FQK5Ms2Bd9
— DeeDee 💞 (@DeeDeeRhinehart) May 2, 2020
Our annual Derby party… for 2 🥃🐎🌹 #KyDerbyAtHome pic.twitter.com/pEHknyvxBH
— Andi (@AndiMiche11e) May 2, 2020
#KyDerbyAtHome Happy “1st” Saturday in May pic.twitter.com/m5SlHQyoJW
— susan aveta (@sueavet) May 2, 2020
