No horse racing fans will be permitted inside Churchill Downs for the 146th run for the roses on Sept. 5.
Churchill Downs had agreed Aug. 12 to plan limited attendance of 23,000.
The decision was made by Derby officials Friday to scratch fans in the growing concern over the COVID-19 pandemic and what it would take to keep social distancing rule in check.
Governor Andy Beshear had approved a plan which was put in place to operate the historic race and said at the time he felt it could be done in a safe manner.
The Derby has averaged 170,000 fans, including a record of 170,513 just five years ago.
It was moved from its original May date to September. The only other date change took place in 1945 when it was ran on June 9 because of World War II.
