Kentucky Derby Is Back In May, With Fans And Flowery Hats

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – The Kentucky Derby is back in its traditional spot on the sports calendar – the first Saturday in May. After getting postponed until September last year because of the pandemic, it returns today with about 45,000 fans in attendance – about 100,000 fewer than usual. Essential Quality is the early 2-1 favorite in a field of 19 horses. The 147th edition could be one of several firsts. A Black jockey could win for the first time in 119 years and a female trainer could win for the first time. Trainer Bob Baffert, a six-time winner, goes for his record seventh, albeit with a 15-1 shot.