LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The first weekend in September just doesn't have the same ring as the first weekend in May. Welcome to Oaks Day 2020 where for the first time there won't be hundreds of thousands of race fans dressed in their finery cheering on the fillies.
The Kentucky Oaks was first run on May 19, 1875 back when Churchill Downs was called the Louisville Jockey Club. The Oaks and the Kentucky Derby are the oldest continuously contested sporting events in history and while both will be run, it won't be the same.
Nine fillies are officially entered in Friday’s $1.25 million race to be run over 1 1/8 miles. Jockey John Velazquez will ride the Bob Baffert-trained Gamine, who enters the Oaks with consecutive Grade 1 victories by nearly 26 lengths combined. She is the even-money favorite to win the Oaks.
The Oaks is scheduled to run Friday, Sept. 4 at 5:45 pm.
5:56 p.m.
5:50 p.m.
5:38 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
5:15 p.m.
5:12 p.m.
4:59 p.m.
4:53 p.m.
4:37 p.m.
3:50 p.m.
3:02 p.m.
2:57 p.m.
2:24 p.m.
2:22 p.m.
2:12 p.m.
2:01 p.m.
1:59 p.m.
1:53 p.m.
1:48 p.m.
1:38 p.m.
1:23 p.m.
1:07 p.m.
12:38 p.m.
12:15 p.m.
Some of the few people at @ChurchillDowns today include owners and their families. @ambersmithtv talked to an owner whose horse is racing today. pic.twitter.com/xt1oVQ2Ajn
— Spectrum News 1 Kentucky (@SpectrumNews1KY) September 4, 2020
12:10 p.m.
Finnick the Fierce has scratched from the @KentuckyDerby, making him the third horse to do so this week. https://t.co/cd6v6aZuKi
— Spectrum News 1 Kentucky (@SpectrumNews1KY) September 4, 2020
12:07 p.m.
SALTY AS CAN BE takes Race 2 👏
— Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) September 4, 2020
6 Furlongs | 1:10.79 pic.twitter.com/pRIFjH93NC
12:00 p.m.
LIVE: Making of the Kentucky Derby Garland of Roses with Kroger https://t.co/8pKqBHJmXq
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) September 4, 2020
11:22 a.m.
SAINTSATION wins the first race in today’s Oaks Day undercard 🥇👏
— Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) September 4, 2020
7 Furlongs | 1:23.64 pic.twitter.com/bI3sAZKzrk
11:14 a.m.
.@ambersmithtv is at @ChurchillDowns on an unusual Oaks day. The stands remain empty, and posted signs remind the few who are at the racetrack to mask up. Hand sanitizer stations are also available. pic.twitter.com/ueKMbwXjYG
— Spectrum News 1 Kentucky (@SpectrumNews1KY) September 4, 2020
10:43 a.m.
A very quiet day here at @ChurchillDowns for the #KentuckyOaks. Here is a look at what we are seeing. pic.twitter.com/wpRteK07u8
— Amber Smith (@ambersmithtv) September 4, 2020