Will there be a Kentucky Derby in 2020? Churchill Downs promises a plan soon.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, one of the only games in town in terms of sporting entertainment is Thoroughbred racing.

Major League Baseball. Closed. March Madness. Closed. The Masters. Postponed. And so on.

As horse racing continues at most tracks across America with no spectators in attendance, is the sport’s most important event ready to take the same drastic step? Would a Kentucky Derby with no fans present at Churchill Downs in Louisville really be a Kentucky Derby? Could race day go forward with no hats, no mint juleps — no people — none of the pageantry that has kept the venerable institution thriving for what is scheduled to be a 146th edition in 2020?

If the crisis has not subsided in time for a Kentucky Derby on the traditional First Saturday in May, is it possible the initial jewel of horse racing’ s Triple Crown could unfold at a later date?

We’ll begin to get answers to those questions next week, according to a statement posted by Churchill Downs on Twitter and on the Kentucky Derby website on Saturday.

The racetrack did announce that a job fair scheduled for Saturday to hire employees for its spring race meet had been postponed amid coronavirus concerns.

Here is Churchill’s statement in full about this year’s Derby:

“During times of uncertainty, our traditions provide a great sense of comfort. We realize, that for many of you, the Kentucky Derby is a treasured annual tradition, and for others, a bucket-list experience. The time-honored traditions of the Kentucky Derby are as much about the fans as the race itself.

“We recognize that the impact of this iconic event extends well beyond the historic racetrack of Churchill Downs. The Kentucky Derby is a cherished and important time for the City of Louisville and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 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.

“Our hearts are with those near and far who have been affected.

“Thank you for being a part of the Churchill Downs family.”

As the racing world awaits that decision, preparations for the Kentucky Derby continue.

On Saturday evening, the $1 million Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark., was to award 50 Kentucky Derby points to the winner. Also Saturday night, at Turfway Park in Florence, the $250,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks was worth 20 points to the victor.

Both full race days were to be conducted without spectators.

That is also the plan for Keeneland Race Course in Lexington when its Spring Meet opens Thursday, April 2.

The Lexington racetrack’s major Kentucky Derby prep race, the $1 million Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, is still scheduled for April 4.

This story was originally published March 14, 2020 at 1:58 PM.