It marks only the second time in the race's 146-year history that the 'Run for the Roses' has been postponed and not contested on its traditional first Saturday in May slot at Churchill Downs. The race was delayed a month in 1945 because of World War II.

'Throughout the rapid development of the COVID-19 pandemic, our first priority has been how to best protect the safety and health of our guests, team members and community,' said Churchill Downs Incorporated CEO Bill Carstanjen in a statement. 

'As the situation evolved, we reached the difficult conclusion that we needed to reschedule.

'At no point did we ever consider cancelling the Kentucky Derby.'

The Centers for Disease Control recommended on Sunday that events of 50 or more people be cancelled for the next eight weeks throughout the United States.