Enhanced security measures will be used for horses competing in the Toyota Blue Grass (gr. I) April 12, Keeneland Race Course announced.
"These protocols, similar to those followed by the New York Racing Association and other major racing venues, ensure that the Toyota Blue Grass will be run with the utmost integrity," said W.B. Rogers Beasley, vice president of racing, in a release issued April 3. "They will provide enhanced protection for the participants and our fans, and guarantee a level and safe playing field for all."
In addition to all other applicable state laws and Keeneland policies, the Lexington track has mandated the following protocols and steps for the horses participating in the Toyota Blue Grass, an important prep for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I):
-- The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission will take out-of-competition blood samples of horses competing in the Toyota Blue Grass and send them to LGC Science, Inc. in Lexington, Ky., for immediate testing. The KHRC will coordinate with other jurisdictions to obtain out-of-competition samples from horses that are not stabled in Kentucky.
-- Horses participating in the Toyota Blue Grass shall be on the grounds no later than 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 10, and shall remain on the grounds until after the running of the race. Exceptions shall only be granted in the case of an unforeseeable emergency, as determined by Keeneland security in consultation with the stewards.
-- Twenty-four-hour security shall commence at 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 10, and end at 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 12.
-- Horses shall stay in their trainers’ current barns and stalls on the grounds, which shall be monitored at all times by additional security personnel.
-- Trainers shall submit a list of treating veterinarians to the stewards no later than 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 10.
-- The stalls for all horses entered in the Toyota Blue Grass shall have an identifying marker on them.
-- Security personnel will monitor all treatments performed by veterinarians. All containers for medications administered will be retained by the KHRC for possible testing.
-- A full daily veterinarian’s record of all medications and treatments given to horses from 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 10, until after the running of the race shall be provided to the KHRC chief veterinarian located in the detention barn.
-- Entry-exit logs will be maintained by security personnel. All persons--including grooms, veterinarians, trainers, assistant trainers, farriers, owners or other connections--on entering the stall, or engaging in contact with the horse or performing any service for the horse, must have a valid KHRC license on their person. Such persons will be logged in by security personnel with the reason for their visit.
-- All equipment, feed, hay bales, etc., are subject to search and seizure, as provided by law, by both Keeneland and the KHRC.
-- As is current policy, Lasix administration will take place in the horse’s own stalls by a KHRC veterinarian. Syringes will be preserved by the KHRC for possible testing.
-- The KHRC, in conjunction with Keeneland, will appoint a single 24-hour point person each day for trainers and connections to contact in case of an emergency.
-- On Saturday, April 12, no treatment will be permitted (beyond Lasix for specifically designated horses) unless it is for an emergency or as approved by the stewards.
-- On Saturday, April 12, horses participating in the Toyota Blue Grass will be required to be in the assembly barn between 45 minutes to one hour before post time for TC02 testing. They will then be escorted with security personnel to the paddock.
-- Toyota Blue Grass participants will receive priority for paddock schooling with security personnel present.