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Kentucky Derby voice making an adjustment

By Mark Carman

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - MAY 02: A horse is washed in the barn area after morning workouts in preparation for the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - MAY 02: A horse is washed in the barn area after morning workouts in preparation for the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Triple Crown and Breeders Cup voice Larry Collmus is waiting patiently for horse racing to return as he prepares to announce an ‘alternate’ Kentucky Derby.

The first Saturday in May feels a little different this year due to the coronavirus. The Kentucky Derby has been postponed until September 5, but that does not mean the show will not go on. Sort of. Here come the turtles.

But first, let us go back in time for a brief history lesson. The year was 1945. World War II was nearing its conclusion and the Kentucky Derby was postponed for a month. It was the only other time in the 146-year history of the race that the horses didn’t run on that first Saturday in May. To make up for the loss of the race, turtles were brought in as a substitute. Over 11-thousand dollars was wagered with roughly 6,500 people in attendance.

There will be no fans this year, but there will be a famed announcer for the 2020 turtle derby.  Larry Collmus of NBC is ready to go.

“It will not be the fastest two minutes in sports, but rather the slowest eight minutes in sports,” Collmus said. “You will have plenty of turtle action and you’ll even get to hear Churchill Downs bugler Steve Buttleman do the call of the post for the turtles.”

Collmus is excited for Saturday, but also can’t wait to get back to Louisville under normal circumstances. He has spent much time at tracks all across the country, but there is something extra special about a trip to Louisville and Churchill Downs.

“There is nothing like the Kentucky Derby,” Collmus said. It is truly the biggest event in horse racing in the United States and maybe in the world. There is just a special feeling when they play “My Old Kentucky Home’ and the horses come on to the track for that race. At the same time, its incredibly nerve wracking for me, because I have to be the guy to keep track of those 20, three-year old horses whipping around the race track with 20-million people watching on NBC.”

There might not be quite that many watching this Saturday for the turtle race, but plenty will tune in to get at least part of their Kentucky Derby fix.

The turtle race is sponsored by Old Forester and will run at 7 p.m. ET on YouTube.com/OldForester.

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