Travers horses to receive added security

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Saratoga Springs, NY (Sports Network) - Enhanced security procedures have been announced for horses entered in this month's Travers Stakes. The New York State Racing and Wagering Board announced Wednesday the added security protocols for horses running in the Aug. 25 Travers at Saratoga Race Course.

"The Travers Stakes is the highest profile race of the world-class Saratoga meet and will be conducted with integrity and high standards for equine safety," Racing and Wagering Board Chairman John D. Sabini said. "These protocols, which will help ensure that horses are kept safe and secure prior to the race, were put in place in consultation with equine safety experts, prominent trainers and track management."

The protocols that are to be enacted will have the horses entered in the Travers on the Saratoga grounds Aug. 22, three days before the race. On Aug. 22 the three-year-olds will have out-of-competition blood testing taken. The horses will be allowed to remain in their trainers' current barns/stalls, which will be monitored at all times by additional security personnel. The Racing and Wagering Board will receive a full daily veterinarian's record of all medications and treatments given to horses from noon Aug. 22 until the race is run and the Board will post these records on its website each day.

These security procedures are similar to the ones used for this year's Belmont Stakes except for the Belmont Stakes, the horses were restricted to a special stakes barn.