NYRA Tightens Access to Barn Area, Paddock

The New York Racing Association, which operates Aqueduct, Belmont Park, and Saratoga, has revised its policy regarding access to the barn and paddock areas.

For the barn area, all NYRA credentialed horsemen have access. Guests of such horsemen, including children, must register at the Gate 6 security desks at Aqueduct or Belmont Park for a daily guest pass. These guests must be accompanied by their host upon registration, or prior arrangements may be made through security for pick-up guests. Names and dates must be provided.

"We believe the new policies we are implementing will help us achieve our goal of strengthening our protection of secure areas," said Steve Duncker, NYRA vice chairman. "At the same time, we will be able to provide the accommodations and access to our horsemen that they deserve."

Horsemen may also obtain daily guest passes in advance at Gate 6 or from the NYRA Identification Office. Names and dates must be provided at that time, and horsemen my then distribute them in advance of their guests' arrival. Day passes can be issued for no more than three consecutive dates, and should be requested within 10 days of the visitation date.

For the paddock, all NYRA credentials are valid for paddock access. Racing organization pins are also valid for paddock access. These pins include The Jockey Club, National Steeplechase and Hunt Association, New York Thoroughbred Breeders (NYTB), NYRA Media/Press, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders' Association (TOBA), New York Turf Writers Association, and National Turf Writers Association.

Any credentialed horseman or NYRA administrative personnel can receive up to six paddock passes from specific entry areas by showing their credential. Children are required to have paddock passes. In addition to specific entry areas, paddock passes can be obtained at the Horsemen's Relations Office, Racing Office or Customer Service Office.

If more than six passes are required, a prior request must be made through one of the aforementioned offices, at which time the specific entry areas will then have that request and will distribute the approved number of paddock passes. If arrangements are not made in advance, the attending white cap (usher) may call one of the offices for approval of additional passes or director the person to one of the offices to pick up the passes.

Anyone with a NYRA credential that is not a horseman's credential or a NYRA administrative credential, must check in with one of the three offices to receive approval for paddock passes for their guests.

At Aqueduct, entry areas for distributing paddock passes are the Turf and Field Club main entrance, the Main Clubhouse entrance (pass gate) and the tunnel entrance to the paddock.

Finally, all children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult in both the barn and paddock areas.