Churchill Downs will continue the hospitality and security policies and procedures of recent years for the 2005 Kentucky Derby and Oaks, the first renewals of those events held since the completion of the historic track's $121 million renovation.
After consulting with federal, state and local law enforcement and government agencies that team with the track to present the Derby and Oaks each year, Churchill Downs will continue the hospitality and security policies and procedures implemented in each of the past three years. Those attending the track's two marquee events should expect magnetic wand searches for patrons at all track entrances; limits on the types of items that patrons may carry into the track that again include a ban on coolers of any type; and the visibility of uniformed security personnel in all areas of the track.
Hospitality and guest service efforts for the track's biggest days will again include the location of a "general store" in the infield. The store, which will be located near the tunnels that allow access from the clubhouse to the infield, will be operated by Levy Restaurants, Churchill Downs' food service provider. The store will offer food, drink, coolers and other items that may not be brought into the track. The items offered in the infield store will be available for purchase at prices comparable to those offered at stores throughout the community.
Churchill Downs Guest Services will again station its customer service and hospitality representatives at locations throughout the track to quickly respond to any questions from patrons on Kentucky Derby and Oaks Days.
"Kentucky Derby and Oaks fans have adjusted very well to our enhanced hospitality and security policies since their implementation in 2002 and our government and law enforcement partners at all levels have recommended that there be no change in those measures for this year's events," said Steve Sexton, president of Churchill Downs. "Those hospitality and security procedures have been well received by our patrons and many have told us that they actually improved their experience at the Derby and Oaks. We have an exciting - and much larger - new facility for our patrons this year, and our security measures and staffing have been adjusted to adapt to the larger structure. As in previous years, there is no indication of any specific threat to our track or these events, but it is important these precautionary measures and procedures remain in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all our of patrons on these special days."
Security procedures and policies for the 2005 Kentucky Derby and Oaks include:
Items that patrons may carry-in to Churchill Downs on those days are:
Items that may not be carried into the track on Derby and Oaks Days include:
A total of 35 local, state and federal law enforcement and government agencies will be involved in the security effort at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby and Oaks Days. Agencies that joined Churchill Downs in the development of security policies for the 2005 renewals of those races include the Louisville Metro Police Department, Louisville Fire &
Rescue, Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, Metro Louisville Corrections, Kentucky State Police, the Kentucky National Guard, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Secret Service.
A total of 140,054 attended last year's Kentucky Derby, which was held in a facility that was limited by construction on a memorable Derby Day that saw heavy rain and strong thunderstorms drench the track. Despite those conditions, attendance at the 2005 Derby was the 12th largest in the 130-year history of the race and the largest ever for a Kentucky Derby contested over a muddy or sloppy track. Rain also fell on Kentucky Oaks Day and the race was contested over a "muddy" track, but 2004 attendance was 98,445 - the sixth largest crowd in Oaks history and easily the largest wet weather attendance figure in the history of the nation's premier race for 3-year-old fillies.
