Keeneland reinstitutes security measures for Blue Grass Stakes

Horses competing in the Blue Grass Stakes on April 9 at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky., will again be subject to additional security precautions before and after the race, the track announced Thursday.

Horses entered in the race will be required to be on the grounds of Keeneland at least 54 hours prior to the race, and all horses will be monitored around the clock beginning at noon Eastern on April 7, Keeneland said. In addition, all horses pointing to the race will have blood samples drawn for out-of-competition testing by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission prior to their arrival at Keeneland, the track said.

Over the past five years, Keeneland and other racetracks have put in place additional security measures for high-profile races such as prep races for the Kentucky Derby. The measures restrict access to the horses and provide regulators with the authority to seize and test any substances, including food, that are given to the horses prior to the race.