Securing America: Kentucky Derby Security

Churchill Downs

One of America’s most attended sporting events is this weekend: the Kentucky Derby.  And with the race coming less than three weeks after the Boston Marathon bombing, security is tight.

FOX News Radio’s Ron Flatter reports from Churchill Downs in our ongoing series on national security:

Securing America.

With crowds of more than 150,000 people here each of the last eight years, the Kentucky Derby is a security challenge, especially after the attack on the Boston Marathon.  Louisville Metro Police say they hope for the best and plan for the worst.

(Lt. Kessinger) “The current events that have happened, we’ve already planned for similar incidents like that.  It’s built into the plan.”

…Police Lt. Todd Kessinger.  Extra security personnel at the gates here at Churchill Downs will be looking out for backpacks, coolers and large purses, all of which are now banned.

(Flanery) “If they get to the gates and they have a prohibited item, they won’t be allowed to bring that in, and we do not reserve those for return to them after the event.”

…Churchill Downs President Kevin Flanery.

At Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ron Flatter, FOX News Radio.