The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission began 24-hour security May 1 for horses entered in the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).
The security is being provided in conjunction with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department and Churchill Downs, according to a press release issued May 2 by the KHRC's Public Protection Cabinet. The Kentucky Derby is Saturday, May 4.
"The KHRC will have representatives on duty around the clock to add support to the sheriff's deputies' activities," said John Ward, KHRC executive director, in the statement. "Additionally, the KHRC has implemented advanced video surveillance technology to assure compliance with its rules and regulations."
Deputies will monitor all interaction with Kentucky Derby entrants and will be responsible for collecting medical supplies after their use. These items will be logged and secured in sealed evidence bags under direction of the commission pending receipt of post-race testing results.
All pre-race and post-race sampling will be subjected to rigorous testing through HFL Sports Science, the official testing laboratory of the KHRC.
"It is the on-going mission of Churchill Downs and the KHRC to ensure the integrity of the Kentucky Derby," said Ward.
