Boston Bombings See Tighter Measures Ahead of Kentucky Derby

In just under a fortnight, one of the hottest events on the international racing circuit will kick off, but this year’s Kentucky Derby will be different from previous years, with security at an all time high.The Boston Bombing and its aftermath have seriously affected the way that authorities view any future sporting events, and the Kentucky Derby 2013 will see an unprecedented tightening of security, including a list of banned items.

Following 9/11, a full range of security guidelines were imposed, but by the time the 2002 Derby and Oaks rolled along, these had largely been dropped.  However, Kentucky Derby organizers have now vowed to impose these same restrictions in the hope that the US public won’t be seeing a repeat of the horrific events that took place in Boston, killing three people and injuring hundreds.

Among the tighter security measures include the banning of coolers or purses that are larger than 12 inches, as well as the prohibition of camcorders, tripods and other larger video equipment.  Baby bags larger than 12 inches will be allowed as long as they are accompanied by babies.

Coolers were banned in 2002 and were only reintroduced again in 2009, and the Kentucky Derby organizers admit that this will be one of the hardest measures to uphold.  However, they have assured the public that coolers with ice will be sold during the Louisville event.

“I know it was a pretty welcome change when coolers were allowed back in there, but again given what happened here in the past week … that one was kind of the first one on the table to be reconsidered”, said a spokesman for Churchill Downs where the Kentucky Derby will take place.

Other security measures include electronic wands at the entrance to the grounds, and the random searching of bags by security staff.

“It would be a mistake to let an event, no matter how tragic, keep us from enjoying these events,” noted Louisville Police Chief Steve Conrad.