'It's just a horserace' - Baffert's focus on world crisis after Derby is delayed

Bob Baffert was on Tuesday among leading US trainers to stress the postponement of this year's Kentucky Derby until September pales into insignificance compared to the challenge the world faces in battling the coronavirus outbreak.

Baffert has won the Kentucky Derby five times, including with US Triple Crown hero Justify two years ago, but the historic Churchill Downs contest has been moved to September 5, from May 2, as the US battles the global pandemic.

The route to the Kentucky Derby also remains unclear with two of the prep races – the Sunland Park Derby and Toyota Blue Grass Stakes – cancelled and meetings at Keeneland not taking place with others to potentially follow.

The Triple Crown schedule also includes the Preakness and Belmont Stakes but no plans have been finalised.

Baffert said: "At least they didn’t cancel the Kentucky Derby, but at the end of the day it is still just a horserace.

"I’m more worried about everybody else in the world."

Churchill Downs: home of the Kentucky Derby, which normally takes place on the first Saturday in MayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Baffert's sentiments were shared by trainer Patrick Biacone, who intends to run Derby hopefuls Sole Volante in the Wood Memorial Stakes and Ete Indien in the Florida Derby.

Biacone said: "The health of the people is most important. What is the Kentucky Derby compared with a worldwide sickness?

"They made the right decision. We'll see what happens, and I hope things will be better throughout the world as soon as possible with the least damage as possible."

Churchill Downs officials on Tuesday said new races will be added to the Road to the Kentucky Derby series, although no schedule has been established.

Trainer Mark Casse said: "Obviously, we have been pointing towards the first Saturday in May, but we'll adjust. As important as the Derby is to all of us, it's not as important as everybody's health. We're going to be hit with adversities in life, and it comes down to how we deal with them."

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