Sports

Kentucky Derby ups security

In the wake of the Boston Marathon terror bombings, Churchill Downs has announced plans to increase security at this year’s Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4, and the Kentucky Oaks the day before.

The list of banned items, which already included weapons, liquor, grills and backpacks, has been expanded to include: coolers, banned following the 9/11 terror attacks, then allowed back in 2009, coolers will no longer be permitted for carry-in to the infield. Styrofoam coolers and ice will be available at infield purchase points. camcorders, tripods and video equipment, * Cameras with detachable lenses, cameras equipped with lenses more than six inches in length, and tripods of any kind. cans of any kind and size, fireworks, laser lights and pointers, mace/pepper spray, noisemakers and air horns.

In addition, purses must be 12 inches or less in any dimension.

All patrons who enter Churchill Downs on those days will be subject to an electronic wand search at admission gates. All items carried into the track by persons passing through those gates are subject to search by Churchill Downs security. and law enforcement. Prohibited items removed during the admissions will not be held for return. Admission gates will open at 8 a.m. on both days, with post time for each day’s first race scheduled for 10:30 a.m. “Churchill Downs relies strongly on the experience and expertise of our law enforcement and public safety partners, and they endorsed these changes in our Kentucky Derby and Oaks security procedures,” Churchill president Kevin Flanery said. “Our reassessment of security procedures was prompted by Monday’s tragedy in Boston, and it has led to a strengthening of safety practices that we hope will ease any concerns Derby and Oaks fans might have following this week’s events.”