Horses competing in the April 6 Wood Memorial Stakes (gr. I) at Aqueduct Racetrack and in the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) at Santa Anita Park will be monitored at all times beginning April 3 as part of enhanced security measures, according to the New York Racing Association and Santa Anita officials.
In New York, blood samples are to be taken from the expected Wood Memorial runners for the purposes of out-of-competition testing. NYRA and the New York State Gaming Commission said results of the blood analysis should be available the morning of April 6.
"The coordinated efforts between NYRA and the gaming commission demonstrate that New York is committed to working together to ensure integrity and equine health and safety," NYRA board chairman David Skorton said. "NYRA's mission statement, 'meeting the highest standards in Thoroughbred racing and equine safety,' is exemplified by these additional steps for one of our most important stakes."
In California, security guards will be be posted with the nine Santa Anita Derby entrants at Santa Anita and Betfair Hollywood Park 72 hours before the race.