What to Know About the 147th Kentucky Derby

by Publisher CoachellaValley | April 30, 2021 12:22 pm

It’s the greatest 2 minutes in sports. The Run for the Roses. The first Saturday in May. The rite of spring in the Bluegrass.

The post time for the race is 3:57 p.m. Pacifoc time Today, Saturday.

The Kentucky Derby, the oldest continuously held sporting event in the United States, returns to the first Saturday in May after being run last year in September without fans because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Coverage begins on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. Eastern time on NBC Sports Network and will continue on NBC at 2:30 p.m. Eastern time. Post time is 6:57 p.m.

The Horses…

Each year, 20 horses compete in the Kentucky Derby.

The morning line favorite was Essential Quality. The favorite as of 2 p.m. on Friday was Hot Rod Charlie, but was back to Essential Quality by evening with 2-1 odds.

The race is open to fans again this year, but at reduced capacity — so you can go to the track.

Changes due to COVID-19:

Churchill Downs limited seating to 40-50%, up to 60% in certain private areas that allow social distancing.

At its peak, 170,000 attended. Churchill Downs officials anticipate about 50,000 people for Oaks and Derby.

Masks will be mandatory — which should come as no surprise with a statewide mandate still in place.

Weather Forecast…

Sunny, and gorgeous. Not much else to say, thank goodness. Mostly sunny and highs in the 70s. Updated weather.

The Fashion…

Half the fun of the Derby is the fashion, of course! And with fans back in the stands, there is sure to be plenty of it.

Riders Up….

Source URL: https://coachellavalley.com/what-to-know-about-the-147th-kentucky-derby/

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