Preakness Stakes Delayed Amid Coronavirus Concerns

BALTIMORE, MD — The Preakness Stakes been officially delayed and InfieldFest 2020 completely cancelled as the country grapples with the coronavirus outbreak.

Organizers announced the delay Friday, citing concerns over the health and safety of customers, vendors and employees if the race went on as scheduled.

As of Monday morning, 4,045 people have been infected by the virus in Maryland. That's an increase of 436 confirmed cases, or nearly 12 percent, since Sunday when the state had 3,609 cases. Ninety-one people have died from COVID-19, according to the Maryland Department of Health. That's an increase of 24 deaths, or nearly 36 percent.

Gov. Larry Hogan last week enacted an emergency order that requires all nursing homes to have staff who interact with residents wear personal protective equipment, create separate observation and isolation areas for residents, and expedite all testing through the Maryland State Public Health Laboratory.

They're the latest steps taken— along with previous measures ordering a stay-at-home policy and closing schools, restaurants, gyms and other gathering places — by state leaders in recent weeks to try to halt the coronavirus' spread.

The Preakness Stakes is the second jewel of the Triple Crown, and is normally held two weeks after the Kentucky Derby on the third Saturday in May. This year, the race had been planned for Saturday, May 16. No replacement date has been set yet; organizers say they are following news on the outbreak closely and hope to know when Preakness 145 might be rescheduled.

When the race does return, it will do so without the regular infield activities or other events normally planned around the race, according to LEX 18. That includes InfieldFest 2020, which has been canceled with no replacement planned. The Stronach Group and Maryland Jockey Club are apologizing for the cancellation, and are giving ticket holders the choice between full refunds, tickets to InfieldFest 2021 or replacement tickets to Preakness 145 when it is rescheduled.

For updates on the coronavirus in Maryland, get Patch news alerts.

In the meantime, organizers are asking everyone to stay safe and follow health guidelines:

"We urge all of our fans to continue to follow the guidelines set forth by heath and governmental authorities and to stay safe. We are all in this together. We love our community and we look forward to celebrating with you again soon!"

Emails with more information on the refund or transfer process have been sent to all ticket holders. Organizers are also encouraging anyone with questions to call them at (877) 206-8042 or visit their website www.infieldfest.com.

See the complete statement on the postponement of Preakness 145 and cancellation of InfieldFest 2020 below:

Related:

• MD Coronavirus Economic Stimulus Payments: What You Need To Do
• MD Coronavirus Testing Available At VEIP Sites By Appointment
• Hogan Imposes Stricter Coronavirus Protocols On MD Nursing Homes
• Coronavirus In MD: 4,045 Cases, 91 Deaths; New Testing Sites