Extra Security in Full Force for Breeders' Cup

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In addition to race-day security barns, a special security team is in full swing patrolling the Belmont Park barn area in the days leading up to the Oct. 29 Breeders' Cup World Championships.

The 10-plus-member team is funded by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium and managed by the Thoroughbred Racing and Protective Bureau. It marks the first time such a security team will be present at the Breeders' Cup.

The "Big Event Team" was established earlier this year for Triple Crown races and has been well received by horsemen, said supervising agent Pete Lang, who has headed up the team since its inception this spring.

"The primary goal is to keep the integrity of the sport on a level field for everyone," Lang said.

The team started patrolling the barn area the morning of Oct. 27, and is there to talk with trainers and veterinarians to ensure "everyone is on the same page," Lang said.

"We are the eyes for the New York State Racing and Wagering Board," Lang said. "So, if we see something, we'll stop whatever we see, but at that point we'll contact someone from the board and they'll come and take control."

The team also worked this year's Little Brown Jug, final leg of the triple crown in harness racing, and other major Thoroughbred racing event.

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