Everyone entering Belmont Park for the June 8 Belmont Stakes will be subject to electronic wand searches at admission gates and other entrances, the New York Racing Association said yesterday.
The security measures are in keeping with similar measures used at the Kentucky Derby and Preakness in wake of the Boston Marathon bombing.
Banned items include coolers, umbrellas, thermoses, backpacks, briefcases, cameras with detachable lenses, duffle bags, and purses larger than 12 inches in diameter.
Beach tote bags (without interior pockets) will be permitted, as will binoculars, cell phones, smart phones and tablets, small cameras, food items in see-through plastic containers and bags, and seat cushions. Lightweight folding chairs and beach blankets will be allowed in the backyard.
* Trainer Shug McGaughey said no decision has been reached yet on whether Kentucky Derby winner Orb will go in the Belmont but did say he would like to run him, and that the chances are better than 50-50. If Orb does go, Joel Rosario will still be his jockey.
As for what went wrong in the Preakness, when Orb finished a well-beaten fourth as the 3-5 favorite, McGaughey said, “When he drew the 1 post, I didn’t think it would be a problem. But then the field didn’t spread out like I thought it would [because of the slow pace], and he didn’t get a chance to get outside. He was stuck down in there over the deepest part of the track and got discouraged.”