Returning the first Saturday in May, the Kentucky Derby will be closer to its usual look and feel than it was last year. The area took quite a hit last year during the derby as COVID-19 shut down almost all of the activities.

Typically in May, the derby was rescheduled last year to run in September. At that time in September, the derby was unfortunately closed off to spectators due to the pandemic guidelines in place. The event itself brings in an estimated $400 million to the area as tourists flock to the races in their seersucker suits and fancy hats.

The running for this year won't bring in the normal amount of money the area is used to seeing, but unlike the running in the fall of last year, it will be better than it was. This year, the derby is expected to bring in a little over $34 million into the area from tourist dollars. Both Kentucky Oaks and Churchill Downs are still at limited capacity for the current guidelines in place. Total attendance for the races are expected to be around 45,000 compared to the normal 150,000 who attended before the pandemic.

The 147th running of the Kentucky Derby will take place this Saturday at 5:50pm from Churchill Downs in Louisville. Twenty horses and jockeys will do their best to take the win, but Essential Quality is the favorite to win, with 5/2 odds. Sainthood is the least favorite to win, with 50/1 odds.

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