The 146th Kentucky Derby was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, marking only the second time in the race’s history that it would not be held in May. This left many horse racing fans sad on May 2 due to the lack of competition, but they were gifted a partial replacement. A virtual Kentucky Derby was held featuring the 13 previous Triple Crown winners. This didn’t entirely replace the Kentucky Derby, but the fans still found ways to win and lose some money while watching.
One of the biggest traditions at the Kentucky Derby is placing bets on the outcome of the competition. Fans have won some large amounts of money by taking chances on horses that required “a miracle” to secure the victory. Next to big hats and mint juleps, betting could be viewed as a defining factor of the annual event. Although it became far more difficult on May 2.
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Technically, betting on the virtual Kentucky Derby was illegal outside of some donations to coronavirus relief, but there were some Twitter users who boasted about finding a workaround. They used offshore options for placing their wagers while trying to secure a decent payday. Many picked poorly and lost their money, but others took the safe bet and won.
I have officially hit rock bottom 🏇🏻HORSE RACING
— TracksideMike (@TracksideMikeN) May 2, 2020
Virtual Kentucky Derby Winner | Seattle Slew, 1977 +450
Risking 300.00 USD To Win 1,350.00 USD
I bet 60 to “win” 34 on the big race. It really is like I’m at Churchill #KentuckyDerby #KyDerbyAtHome
— Nick Church (@nmc445) May 2, 2020
Making bets on virtual Kentucky Derby Day. Thinking of dad today, same as every Derby Day. https://t.co/1tc69WGTBa pic.twitter.com/h0JWyoJEmG
— Thomas Sullivan (@howlintom) May 2, 2020
Virtual kentucky derby 💰💰💰💰 dont bet against the best #Secretariat
— Mario Yamarino (@Mario_Yamarino) May 2, 2020
honestly if you didn’t bet on secretariat to win a virtual race that he STILL holds the record for you don’t deserve a mint julep #KentuckyDerby
— sally (@sallyyannie) May 2, 2020
yes the rumors are true I did bet money on the virtual kentucky derby
— Matt Pedretti (@matt_pedretti) May 2, 2020
Virtual Kentucky Derby time. I’m placing 1 bet:
— Bush League Racing (@BushLeagueRacin) May 2, 2020
$1,000,000 exacta
Secretariat over American Pharoah@NBCSports
I just bet on American Pharoah to win the Virtual Kentucky Derby. We have reached a new quarantine low.
— BigEisy (@BigEisy) May 1, 2020
Bets are placed for the Virtual Kentucky Derby. Let’s go dead horses!! #KyDerbyAtHome
— Chris Gordy (@ChrisGordy) May 2, 2020
can I bet on the virtual Kentucky derby, asking for a friend
— life is a void except for mika (@Danno2430) May 2, 2020
Virtual Kentucky Derby Bets:
— Alex 👋. (@Dubs408) May 2, 2020
Secretariat +110
Citation +600
American Pharoah +800
Affirmed +800
Virtual Kentucky Derby on NBC this afternoon! Donate any amount to benefit the virus victims and you can place your bet.
— Mark Dellechiaie (@DellechiaieMark) May 2, 2020
We do have a virtual Kentucky derby to bet on today as well!!
— ryan dietrich (@rydadi) May 2, 2020
Gonna gamble with the +400
— Owen Oliver (@thereal_seano) May 2, 2020
