Security at the Kentucky Derby has been extremely strict the last four years, and this year is no exception. The only change this year is patrons can bring in seat cushions through all entrances. This is for cushions with no backs only, so no stadium seats.
If you are attending, read the list of allowed items below very carefully so you won't have anything confiscated. Some items are only allowed in the infield, such as blankets, and coolers, bottles, and backpacks are not allowed anywhere. There will once again be a "general store" set up in the infield near the tunnels from the grandstand to allow you to purchase food, drink, coolers, and other items that you can't bring in with you. Remember that no bottles includes sunscreen, so make sure you bring a tube or individual packets if you don't want to have to buy any.
Security will be very visible with personnel from many different law enforcement and government agencies working the event. Expect to have anything you bring in searched and to be wanded as you enter to prevent any weapons from being brought in.
Security procedures and policies for the 2006 Kentucky Derby and Oaks include:
Magnetic wand searches of patrons at all track entrance gates
Limits on carry-in items for patrons and employees
Visibility of security personnel in all areas of the track
Placement of barriers outside the track's admission gates
Security sweeps of vehicles (buses, limousines and vendor vehicles that enter the track)
Vehicles parked in all Churchill Downs lots are subject to search.
Items that may be carried by patrons through all admission gates at Churchill Downs unless otherwise noted include:
Food items in clear plastic bags, limit two per person (maximum size 18"x 18," no trash bags)
"Box" lunches if packaged in clear plastic bags or plastic containers, limit two per person (maximum size 18"x 18," no trash bags)
Cellular telephones, cameras, and camcorders
Small personal music systems, radios, and televisions, no "boom boxes"
Binoculars
Purses and baby bags (all subject to search)
Strollers (only if carrying a child--no other items allowed)
Seat cushions (no backs)
Chairs (Gate 3 only)
Blankets (Gates 1 and 3 for infield use only)
Tarpaulins (Gates 1 and 3 for infield use only)
Items that may not be carried into the track on Derby and Oaks Days include:
Weapons of any kind (including all knives and scissors)
Bottles and cans of any kind (includes all beverage and lotion containers--glass, plastic, or metal)
Manhattan Handicap (G1) and Just a Game Stakes (G1) Results - On the Belmont undercard, Gio Ponti won over Marsh Side and Better Talk Now in the Manhattan Handicap, while Diamondrella beat favorite Forever Together in the Just a Game Stakes. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Acorn Stakes (G1), True North Handicap (G2), and Woody Stephens Stakes (G2) Results - Also on the Belmont undercard, Gabby's Golden Gal upset favorite Justwhistledixie in the Acorn, top choice Fabulous Strike beat defending champ Benny the Bull in the True North Handicap, and Munnings won by 5 1/4 lengths in the Woody Stephens Stakes. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Brooklyn Handicap (G2) and Hill Prince Stakes - Eldaafer got up by a nose to win the Brooklyn Handicap over pacesetter Nite Light in the slop, with favorite Rising Moon third. In the Hill Prince Stakes, which was taken off the turf, Despite the Odds drew away to win by 7 1/2 lengths. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
2009 Belmont Stakes Entries - A field of 10 was entered with Kentucky Derby winner and Preakness runner-up Mine That Bird the 2-1 morning line favorite from post 7. Get the entries, post positions, odds, and free past performances here.
Belmont Stakes Friday Workouts - Photos of 5 of the Belmont Stakes horses on the sloppy track in the rain Friday morning, including Mine That Bird. Get the details and photos here.
Belmont Contenders Weekend Workouts - Five of the likely entrants for next weekend's Belmont Stakes had timed works at Belmont Park on May 30-31, including Charitable Man and Dunkirk. Get the details and photos here.
Rachel Alexandra wins the Preakness - She led most of the way and was ahead by 4 at the top of the stretch, then held off Mine That Bird by a length. Musket Man was another 1/2 length back in third. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Preakness undercard stakes results - There were 7 other stakes on the card, most of them grade 2 or 3, including the Dixie Stakes (G2) won by Parading.
2006 Kentucky Derby Security
