For only the second time in history, the Kentucky Derby will not take place on the first Saturday in May, due to the coronavirus pandemic that has crippled the entire world.
However, the spirit of the Derby weekend is alive and well across the Bluegrass. We might have to wait until the first of September to see the most beautiful two minutes in sports running, but there's still room to celebrate what the first weekend of May means to the horse racing world.
As the horse racing world prepares for the first of May without a Kentucky Derby, the future is still bright with the best yet to come. Sure, there will only be one Secretariat, but that doesn't mean that many more great horses won't come along and make their presence known at the Kentucky Derby.
It might not seem like your traditional Derby weekend, but there are a few things you can do at home with your family that will make it feel like the first Saturday in May again.
First, break out those Seersucker suits, and Pastel dresses topped off with those fancy hats. Not only will that make you feel better about the situation that we all find ourselves in, but you will also be in the correct attire to watch the Arkansas Derby, live from Oaklawn.
Second, make yourself a Mint Julep and enjoy the Arkansas Derby. What's says Kentucky Derby weekend more than an ice-cold Mint Julep made with the bourbon of your choice. Sure, it might not be brought to you in a handcrafted glass at Churchill Downs, but it's still a small step in the right direction towards a little bit of normalcy on Derby weekend.
Third, enjoy the Arkansas Derby from the confines of your home. I know what you're thinking, what's the big deal about the Arkansas Derby? Well, the Arkansas Derby has seen seven former Kentucky Derby winners, including last year's Kentucky Derby winner in Country House. The Arkansas Derby has also produced two Triple Crown winners, including the legendary American Pharoah. This year the Arkansas Derby might not be the same without the fans, but it's still live Horse Racing and a major prelim for the September Kentucky Derby.
Lastly, enjoy the day and celebrate the past. Derby weekend has always been one for celebration and great excitement, this year more than ever it's important to remember that the Kentucky Derby will be back and better before. Celebrate the past and embrace the future of the sport. If it helps, watch old Kentucky Derby's or even the broadcast of the virtual Kentucky Derby that Churchill Downs has put together for horse racing fans across the world.
Much like the rest of the sports world, the Kentucky Derby will return in due time. Until that time, relax and take care of those who matter to you, so when that moment comes, we all can gather together to cheer on the horses.