LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Live horse racing is back at Churchill Downs with the first race starting Saturday, May 16, at 1 p.m. ET. 

A very different scene is expected this weekend underneath the iconic Twin Spires since no fans will be in the stands. 

Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery said this is the first step to re-opening and trying to get back to some normalcy.

“Those who love horse racing, you’re going to see some fantastic racing, and it’s that first step to say, ‘You know what? We’re gonna be ok; we’re gonna come through this,’ “ Flanery said.

Saturday kicks off the Spring Meet and will include 22 races total over the weekend, 11 races each on Saturday and Sunday. This is believed to be the first time in its 145-year-history that horses will race at Churchill Downs without spectators.

“I’m looking forward to the meet and disappointed we are not going to have fans, but I certainly feel like right now we’re doing all the right things,” said thoroughbred horse Trainer, Tom Amoss, who came up from his native New Orleans.

The races are running under strict guidelines due to COVID-19. Only essential personnel will be allowed inside, which means no fans but also no horse owners or media.

This weekend is expected to have approximately 1,000 horses, 100 trainers, and nearly 50 jockeys on the grounds. 

Amoss has seen first-hand the protocols in place to keep everyone safe, such as social distancing and wearing face masks at all times. Temperatures are also taken daily and every person inside the venue was required to have a COVID-19 test.

“The protocols to get into the race track are extraordinary and very efficient,” Amoss said. He also said everyone is required to wear a special wristband every day, which shows those who have been registered to go onto the racetrack.

Amoss also said the quiet atmosphere could be a silver lining. 

“I think you can look at the form the horses have produced through the races being very consistent and staying the same rather than being something that mentally they might get upset about at the race track from big trout crowds, noise, and things, like that that might take away from their performance. So maybe a truer handicapping form for all the horses when we get started here at Churchill Downs,” Amoss said.

No Derby qualifying points will be given out this weekend. The first race to award Derby qualifying points is May 23, which also kicks-off Churchill Down’s Spring Meet Stakes schedule.

Flanery also said that Churchill Downs is focused on a September 5 Kentucky Derby with fans but in a responsible way. Flanery noted, however, that they are also listening to experts and will adjust as needed.

“We love our traditions. We’re all about tradition, but these times we just have to enjoy the fact that we are in a unique situation and do the best we can and understand that it’s going to be a moment in history. Just like we talked about the 1945 Derby being postponed, we will talk about this 100 years from now.”

The races this weekend can be watched on FOX Sports’ FS1 and FS 2 as part of its “America’s Day at the Races” coverage. Races start at 1 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday. 

Every race from Churchill Downs throughout the Spring Meet will also be televised live on either FS1 or FS2.