Report: Kentucky Derby 'Likely' to Be Postponed Until Sept. 5 Due to Coronavirus

Officials at Churchill Downs reportedly are planning to postpone the 2020 Kentucky Derby until Sept. 5 due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Louisville Courier Journal's Jason Frakes. 

The event traditionally occurs on the first Saturday of May, which falls on May 2 this year.

However, numerous sports leagues across the world have gone on hold in an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Frakes noted this would be the first year since 1945 the Kentucky Derby would be moved from its usual date. The United States had banned horse racing during World War II, forcing the 1945 Derby to shift to June 9 as the war was drawing to a close.

The Kentucky Derby posted a message to its official site indicating a schedule change for the event was possible:

"We are mindfully aware of our fans who travel from great distances to join us as well as our valued employees whose most intense preparations to host a world-class event begin now. 

"For these reasons, we have been working carefully and diligently with relevant health experts and authorities to ensure we make the most responsible decision regarding the timing of the 146th Kentucky Derby this year. We thank you for your patience and are committed to providing regular communication and transparency as we move forward. This is not a decision we take lightly and we expect to have an update about the Kentucky Derby and additional information on our upcoming Spring Meet in the coming week."

Legendary trainer Bob Baffert said he was hearing June or September as possibilities should the Run for the Roses be postponed, per Frakes.

Erring on the side of caution and shooting for the fall is arguably the smarter decision. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a recommendation on Sunday to avoid any public gatherings of 50 people or more for at least eight weeks. It's impossible to know right now whether the situation will have de-escalated to the point where major sporting events are option after that eight-week window.

According to CNN, doctors have confirmed more than 168,000 cases of the coronavirus and at least 6,600 people have died from the disease.