Armed to the horse teeth
SECURITY is being ramped up for this year’s Hampton Classic horse show, with the Southampton Town Police’s new counterterrorism unit set to patrol the equestrian event that attracts thousands of well-heeled spectators. Police Chief Steven Skry
necki tells us that the security detail will include bomb-sniffing dogs, undercover officers and bag checks. Reports said some officers will carry assault rifles. Skrynecki says guests should be “prepared to experience possibly a bit of a delay entering the event so we can maintain a maximum level of security.” And, “We have had increased security at all our events this year, especially in light of the recent events in the world. Although there are no known threats,” the measures are “out of an abundance of caution.” A rep for the event told us, “This is not in response to anything specific — it stems from Southampton’s newly established antiterrorism task force . . . There will be an increased number of police on the grounds, both uniformed and plainclothed,” and attendees “are subject to inspection with possible additional checkpoints over previous years. Surveillance cameras will also be in use. We hope that everyone attending . . . will find comfort in the knowledge that these new security measures are being taken.”
Georgina Bloomberg and Olympic gold medalist Peter Wylde are among the competing riders.