Covid protocols force two horses out of Kentucky Derby
A view of the 2019 Kentucky Derby unfolding at Churchill Downs
With the 2021 Kentucky Derby quickly approaching, the field is beginning to shape up. However, two horses will not be taking part due to Covid-19 protocols.
This year, the Kentucky Derby will be a little bit different due to COVID-19 rules and regulations. Across sports, we have seen different regulations for travel and quarantine, and these regulations even apply to the horses.
Panadol not making the trip
Panadol, a 3-year-old colt, would be required to quarantine after traveling from Dubai leading up to the Kentucky Derby and will no longer be participating. Panadol, a young horse that has shown great ability in just three races, has won twice and placed second once.
Most recently, on March 27, Panadol was the runner-up in the UAE Derby Sponsored by Emirates.
Rombauer pursuing other races
Another horse that will not be racing in the Kentucky Derby is Rombauer. The 3-year-old colt is coming off a race at Keeneland on April 4, a third-place finish at the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes.
Rombauer galloping this morning. pic.twitter.com/YeDlasRiZa
— Ernie Belmonte (@ErnieBPhoto93) April 13, 2021
Rombauer will, however, be pursuing opportunities to race in the Preakness and Belmont instead of the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby
This year's Kentucky Derby will be a little different, with many horses declining to race, but we are a ways ahead of where we were at this time last year. A year ago, the Kentucky Derby was postponed due to COVID-19, and just about all sports were canceled.
May 1 will be the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby, and fans will be in attendance at the historic event. As of right now, it is believed that Churchill Downs will be operating at about 40-50% capacity.
Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby venue
This is a big step as most race tracks right now are operating at lower capacities. Recently, Belmont Park announced that it will be opening to fans operating at 20%, a significantly lower number than this year's Derby.
With a few weeks remaining until the legendary running of the Kentucky Derby, we will continue to see how the field plays out and which horses are beginning to be identified as favorites and competitors. Normalcy is approaching, and that is a positive thing that we need this year.
No matter which horses decide to run in the Kentucky Derby, we do know that no matter what, we are in for an epic day with stellar competition taking place.
