…the colt was the first thoroughbred Hooper ever purchased. How can one not fall in love with racing when the first horse you buy wins the most prestigious race in the world?

Art Parker looks back at the Kentucky Derby in 1945 for his paper, the Montgomery Independent.

“…Only once has the Derby been delayed.    Until now.

Those who love thoroughbred racing (such as myself) were crushed with the announcement to delay the 2020 Derby. The 146th Kentucky Derby has been moved from May 2 to September 5. Causing the delay is the fear of the coronavirus, especially since the Derby attracts a colossal flock at Churchill Downs, with the largest attendance ever being more than 170,000 people.

The impact of the Derby delay will probably be felt in all major racing circuits and will certainly change the landscape of major races already scheduled at various tracks throughout the country. The status of the Preakness Stakes has changed also as Maryland officials announced the middle leg of the Triple Crown postponed to September without a specific date set. Currently there is no word on the Belmont Stakes, the final race of the Triple Crown, which remains scheduled for June 6, 2020.

The first Derby delay and the Montgomery connection begins with World War II. Racing was banned in early 1945 for several reasons not the least of which was the government’s need for money. Anyone who … ”   check out the rest of Art Parker’s piece