Increased security for Wood Memorial

Enhanced security protocols will be in place for the Grade 2 Wood Memorial on April 7 at Aqueduct, according to a press release issued by the New York Gaming Commission and the New York Racing Association on Thursday.

According to the release, the protocols were triggered by a purse increase to $1 million from $750,000 because a Grade 1 winner is participating in the race. Firenze Fire, winner of last year’s Grade 1 Champagne at Belmont, is scheduled to run in the Wood.

The protocols are similar to those of other graded stakes considered Group B races at NYRA with seven-figure purses, such as the Ogden Phipps, Metropolitan Handicap, Manhattan, Sword Dancer, and Belmont Oaks. It includes mobile surveillance and horse checks three times a day from 72 hours to 30 hours out from race time. From 30 hours out there is continuous surveillance.

Under the protocols, horses must be on the grounds of a NYRA facility no later than 72 hours prior to post time for the Wood, which is slated for 5:55 p.m. Eastern. Stewards have the discretion to make exceptions, which they typically do for horses traveling by plane. Seven of the 10 likely Wood starters are coming from out of town, including five from South Florida.

Horses participating in the Wood will be subject to out-of-competition blood testing.

A daily veterinarian’s record of all medications and treatments given to horses 72 hours prior to the race will be provided to the commission, which posts the records on its website.

“By enhancing our protocols for this race the commission is continuing its work to protect the integrity of the sport,” Ron Ochrym, acting executive director of the commission, said in a release. “We take our role seriously and believe that being transparent is the best way to make the race fair for all involved.”