Pandemic Ends 72-Year Kentucky Derby Streak

Phillip Perkins hasn't missed a Kentucky Derby since he was 12-years-old. Now 73 years later, that streak is coming to an end. WLEX's Elizabeth Buckley reports.

(WLEX/NBC News) — The coronavirus pandemic has brought an end to an incredible streak for one Kentucky Derby superfan.

Phillip Perkins attended his first Kentucky Derby in 1948 when he was 12 years old, and has been in the stands for every Derby since. That’s 72 races for the now 84-year-old Perkins.

No fans will be allowed at Saturday’s event due to COVID-19.

“This year would make the 146th Kentucky Derby, if I made it this year that would be 73 for me — exactly one half of them,” Perkins said, heartbroken about breaking his streak.

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