Photos of the historic 2020 Kentucky Derby reveal festive face masks and empty bleachers

Darcy SchildSep 6, 2020, 01:54 IST

A spectator wears a hat and matching face mask decorated for the horse Tiz the Law at the Kentucky Derby on September 5, 2020.Charlie Riedel/AP

The 146th running of the Kentucky Derby takes place on Saturday after being delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It's the first time since World War II that the Kentucky Derby has not taken place in the month of May.
Only horse owners and family members of the jockeys can attend the event in person.
Here's what the historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, looked like during Kentucky Derby weekend — from empty bleachers devoid of mint juleps and face masks that match locals' festive hats.

The traditional sound of the bugle kicked off the 146th annual Kentucky Derby on Saturday.

A bugle player, Steve Buttleman, marks the start of the horse races at the 2020 Kentucky Derby. Brian Spurlock/USA Today Sports via Reuters

Other than the sound of the bugle, this year's horse race is much quieter — after all, the stands are nearly empty.

Military police, working as security, stand in empty stands at Churchill Downs on September 5, 2020. Mark Humphrey/AP

The coronavirus pandemic postponed the Kentucky Derby from its traditional May date for the first time since World War II.

A hand sanitizer station at Churchill Downs, pictured on September 4, 2020. Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Mint juleps, the traditional cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, aren't flowing like usual.

An empty drink kiosk at Churchill Downs on September 4, 2020. Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The stands at Churchill Downs appear sparse, but select spectators preserved the Derby's traditions, like sipping the classic cocktail.

Guests over the paddock while sipping drinks ahead of the 146th running of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on September 04, 2020. Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Some people gathered at Churchill Downs on Friday, dressed in pink for Kentucky Oaks Day, which marks the racing of female horses.

A woman takes a selfie on September 4, 2020, ahead of the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Though there were far fewer people present for Kentucky Oaks Day, guests kept the pink tradition alive.

People gather for Kentucky Oaks day at Churchill Downs Racetrack, on September 4, 2020 in Louisville, Kentucky. Horsephotos/Getty Images

Fashion statements were still abundant at the Derby even though attendance was sparse.

A woman with a coordinating hat and face mask at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby's Oaks Day on September 4, 2020. Matt Stone/Louisville Courier-Journal-USA TODAY NETWORK via Reuters

Some horse trainers, track workers, and spectators showed up in Derby-themed face masks.

A track worker wears a horse-printed face mask ahead of the Kentucky Derby on September 4, 2020. Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Some viewers sported vivid pastel colors, another fashion convention that's often seen in the crowds at the Derby.

Horse owner Keith Delaney watches the first race before the 146th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on September 5, 2020. Jamie Rhodes/USA Today Sports via Reuters

While most fans sported their Derby fashions from home, people still showed up with festive hats.

Women part of the horse Honor A.P.'s ownership group at the Kentucky Derby. Pat McDonogh/Louisville Courier-Journal/USA Today Network via Reuters

Some matched their face masks to their outfit, such as this pink-and-navy ensemble.

A spectator at Churchill Downs on September 5, 2020. Matt Stone/Louisville Courier-Journal-USA TODAY NETWORK via Reuters

Another attendee coordinated their eye-catching, feather-clad hat with an ornate, pearl-covered mask.

A spectator with an ornate face mask at Churchill Downs on September 5, 2020. Jamie Rhodes/USA TODAY Sports via Reuters

Others used their hat and face mask combination to show their support for contestants, such as this attendee, who's rooting for the favorite horse, Tiz the Law.

A Kentucky Derby spectator pictured on September 5, 2020, with a mask and hat decorated for the horse Tiz the Law, or "Tiz." Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

While much is different at the Derby this year, the event still includes 20 horses who are competing at the prestigious race.

Horses race at Kentucky Oaks Day on September 4, 2020, with empty stands. Bryan Woolston/Reuters

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