While Dan makes some good points regarding the many differences between running a race for 3-year-olds on the first Saturday in May compared to the first Saturday in September Derby (“A Year Without a Derby Makes the Most Sense”), I disagree with him about removing the name of the race. Perhaps history books will place an asterisk behind the 2020 winner, but there are too many players involved in this game, owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys, grooms, etc. who work tirelessly each year to produce a Kentucky Derby winner. For most this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be associated with horse who gets to wear the garland of roses and have his name placed permanently in the paddock of Churchill Downs. Regardless of when the race is run, we should not deny them their due honor.
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