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)
Alcoholic beverages
Thermoses
Coolers
Grills
Backpacks, luggage and duffel bags
Wagons
Umbrellas
Triple Crown quick links:
Belmont Stakes Entries - A field of 12 was entered on Wednesday for the 142nd Belmont on Saturday with 3-1 morning line favorite Ice Box drawing post 6. Get all the horses, post positions, odds, and past performances here.
Analyzing the Belmont Stakes Contenders - My annual analysis using popular angles and statistical trends to see who best matches the profile of a Belmont winner.
Lookin At Lucky wins the Preakness - The new jockey must have changed his luck as he had no problems this time and wore down First Dude to win the Preakness with Jackson Bend third. Favorite Super Saver faded to finish 8th. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Super Saver wins the 2010 Kentucky Derby - He drew off to win by 2 1/2 lengths, giving jockey Calvin Borel his third Derby win in 4 years. Ice Box and Paddy O'Prado closed from far back to finish 2nd and 3rd while favorite Lookin At Lucky was 6th.
2010 Triple Crown Late Nominations - Only six more thoroughbreds were made eligible for the three Triple Crown races for a fee of $6000 by the late nomination deadline. Any not nominated now will have to pay a huge supplement fee to enter. Check out the list here.
Belmont 101 - A basic introduction the the third and final jewel of the Triple Crown. How it began, basics of picking a winner, and how to attend in person.
2006 Kentucky Derby Security
