Belmont to have strict security barn

The strictest security protocols perhaps ever in U.S. racing will be in place for the June 9 Belmont Stakes, in which I’ll Have Another attempts to become the first Triple Crown winner in 34 years. The New York State Racing and Wagering Board announced it was requiring all horses running in the Belmont Stakes to enter a designated Belmont barn beginning Wednesday, the day that entries are taken for the Triple Crown finale, and not be housed anywhere else until after the race. Upon entering the barn, all Belmont horses will be required to have an out-of-competition blood test, which will be sent to the board’s drug lab that evening for immediate review. A limited number of personnel will be permitted to enter the barn, including New York Racing Association and RWB staff and the licensed trainer, licensed assistant trainer, licensed veterinarian, licensed groom, licensed hot walker and licensed owners for each horse. Security will log in all persons who enter and exit a stall in the barn, with the exception of a horse’s groom, who will be monitored. There will be administrative searches and checks of all equipment, feed, hay, etc. No food or beverage for human consumption will be allowed in or around stall space. Veterinarians will have to provide written notice of intended treatment before attending to a horse, and all treatments performed by vets will be monitored.

— The (Louisville) Courier-Journal