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Churchill Downs Announces Hospitality, Security Policies For 129th Derby, Oaks
By: John Asher
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 28, 2003) - After lengthy study and consultation with local, state and federal law enforcement and government agencies, Churchill Downs has announced that it will continue the enhanced hospitality and security procedures adopted for the 2002 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks for this year's 129th renewals of the famed "Run for the Roses" and its sister race.
The security procedures for the May 3 Kentucky Derby and May 2 Kentucky Oaks will again include magnetic wand searches of all persons entering the track's grandstand, clubhouse and infield; limits on the types of items that may be carried into the track by patrons; and continued high visibility of uniformed security personnel throughout the track.
In light of those tightened security procedures, Churchill Downs enhanced its hospitality and customer service efforts during last year's Kentucky Derby and Oaks and those programs will be in place again for this year's renewals. Among those hospitality programs is the return of a general store-type facility in the infield in which patrons may purchase items that cannot be carried into the track. A single infield store located near the grandstand tunnel will be operated this year by Levy Restaurants, the exclusive food service provider for Churchill Downs, and it will offer food, beverage, coolers, ice and other items at prices comparable to those offered at stores outside the track's admission gates. Churchill Downs will again employ increased numbers of customer service and hospitality representatives to deal with concerns voiced by patrons on Kentucky Derby and Oaks Days.
"Our hospitality and security procedures and policies for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks were adopted in the aftermath of the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and, given the ongoing war in Iraq and current world tensions, we have decided to continue those procedures for at least another year," said Steve Sexton, president of Churchill Downs. "In making our decision we relied heavily on recommendations made by the many law enforcement agencies who work with us each year to ensure the safety and comfort of all of our patrons, participants and employees on our biggest days. The good news is that these procedures worked well and many patrons told us their Derby and Oaks experience was actually enhanced by the changes, so we hope the fans who may have stayed home because of those procedures will join us again this year."
Last year's Kentucky Derby attracted a crowd of 145,033 - down from the 2001 attendance of 154,210, which was the second-largest attendance in Derby history. Attendance at the 2002 Kentucky Oaks totaled 101,932, a figure that was down from the 102,904 recorded a year earlier.
Security procedures established for Kentucky Derby and Oaks 129 include:
Magnetic wand searches of all patrons at all track entrance gates
Limits on items on carry-in items for patrons and employees
High visibility and numbers of security personnel in all areas of the track
Placement of barriers outside the track's admission gates
Security sweeps of all vehicles (buses, limousines and vendor vehicles) that enter the track
Vehicles parked in all Churchill Downs lots will be subject to search.
Items that patrons may carry-in to Churchill Downs on those days are:
Food items in clear plastic bags (maximum size 18"x 18" - no trash bags) - LIMIT TWO (2) PER PERSON
"Box" lunches if packaged in clear plastic bags or plastic containers (maximum size 18"x 18" - no trash bags) - LIMIT TWO (2) PER PERSON
Cellular telephones, cameras, and camcorders (patrons required to turn electronic items on before entry is allowed)
Small personal music systems, radios and televisions - no "boom boxes"
Binoculars
Purses and baby bags (all subject to search)
Chairs (Gate 3 only)
Blankets (Gates 1 & 3 for infield use only)
Tarpaulins (Gates 1 & 3 for infield use only)
Strollers (only if carrying a child - no other items allowed)
Items that are banned from the track on Derby and Oaks Days include:
Weapons of any kind (includes all knives and scissors)
Bottles and cans of any kind (includes all beverage and lotion containers - glass, plastic or metal)
Thermoses
Coolers
Grills
Backpacks, luggage and duffel bags
Wagons
Umbrellas
Security procedures for media representatives will be the same as in 2002. Special media entrances will be located at Gates 1, 10, and 17 and all items carried by media representatives will be searched. Media members will also be required to prominently display their Kentucky Derby media credentials at all times.
Churchill Downs employees will be the subject of one major change in the track's Derby and Oaks security procedures as all full-time and seasonal employees will be required to undergo background checks.
Law enforcement agencies including the Louisville Metro Police Department, Louisville Fire & Rescue, Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, Jefferson County Corrections, Kentucky State Police, the Kentucky National Guard, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Secret Service worked with Churchill Downs officials in the development of the security policies for this year's Kentucky Derby and Oaks.
Churchill Downs, the world's most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America's greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN) also operates Trackside Louisville, an off-track betting and training facility. Churchill Downs will conduct the 129th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2003. The track's 2003 Spring Meet will be held April 26 through July 6. Churchill Downs has served as host to the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships a record five times.
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