Kentucky Derby tightens security due to Boston bombings

Gregory A. Hall, USA TODAY Sports | USATODAY

LOUISVILLE -- Churchill Downs is tightening its security policies for the Kentucky Derby and Oaks in response to the Boston Marathon bombings that killed three people and injured more than 100 others.

The new policies expand the items banned from the track, including coolers and purses larger than 12 inches.

The track's previous guidelines, announced last week, were revised after the bombing and bring back some of the restrictions imposed after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Those policies had been relaxed since the 2002 Derby and Oaks.

Additionally, the track is asking anyone who sees something suspicious to report it to law enforcement or track officials.

"We want fans to have a wonderful and unforgettable Oaks and Derby Days, but we hope they will remember these words: 'If you see something, say something,'" track President Kevin Flanery said in a statement.

The resumption of the cooler ban is the biggest change, although coolers will be sold along with ice in the infield. Coolers were first banned in 2002, before being allowed again in 2009.

"I know it was a pretty welcome change when coolers were allowed back in there, but again given what happened here in the past week ... that one was kind of the first one on the table" to be reconsidered, Churchill spokesman John Asher said, adding that Churchill will work to have coolers and ice on sale at prices that are close to what's available regularly at stores.

A record 165,307 attended last year's Derby and 112,552 people attended the Oaks, two of the biggest days of horse racing annually in the United States.

While some cameras and phones with cameras will still be allowed, camcorders, tripods and other video equipment will be banned along with cameras that have detachable lenses or cameras equipped with lenses more than 6 inches.

Purses also will be limited to 12 inches in length in any direction. Larger baby bags will be allowed, but only when accompanied by a baby.

Churchill also is increasing electronic wand searches at admission gates and entrances for employees vendors and media. All items carried into the track by persons passing through those gates are subject to search by officers from Churchill Downs security and law enforcement.

"There's a higher probability you will go through the electronic wand search as you come through, but that's a quick process" unless you have items that are prohibited, Asher said.

Flanery said the changes were made in consultation with federal, state and local law enforcement and are designed to ease the concerns of Derby and Oaks attendees following what happened in Boston, where bombs made out of pressure cookers were placed amid crowds watching the marathon.

A Louisville Metro police spokeswoman said the agency had no comment on the changes.

Earlier this week, Louisville Chief Steve Conrad encouraged people not to avoid Thunder Over Louisville because of the Boston bombings.

"It would be a mistake to let an event, no matter how tragic, keep us from enjoying these events," Conrad said. Regarding Thunder, he said, "No one can guarantee your safety," Conrad said. "But I can tell you we have a good plan."

Asher said changes also will be made regarding security at the entrance to the backside stable area, however, he said those would be discussed with horsemen and he declined to release them publicly.

Plastic bottles of water or sodas will be allowed as long as they don't have alcohol. Cans are banned as well.

Hall also writes for The (Louisville) Courier-Journal