LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - SEPTEMBER 05: Drop Anchor, with Brian J. Hernandez, Jr. up, is walked toward the starter's gate prior to the Iriquois, an undercard race prior to the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby, at Churchill Downs on September 05, 2020 LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - The Churchill Downs stands are empty and the wagering windows closed.
Armored police vehicles in the parking lot have replaced throngs of Derby-goers in seersucker and showy hats.The 146th Kentucky Derby is a surreal distillation of the crises facing the country in 2020.
The race, usually in May, is four months late because of the coronavirus pandemic. Still no fans are allowed, so the fabled racetrack is mostly quiet.