By Madelin Shelton–
In addition to the postponement of the Kentucky Derby to September 5, the Kentucky Derby Festival has also been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On March 17 the Kentucky Derby Festival issued a press release explaining that the decision came after communication with the governor’s office, the mayor’s office and public health experts.
Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO, said in the press release that this decision was made in the interest of health and safety. “Public health and safety needs to be our focus right now,” Gibson said.