Strict protocols installed for Belmont participants

The New York State Racing and Wagering Board has put forth a comprehensive

protocols for horses running in the June 9 Belmont Stakes in order to ensure the

safety of horses and riders, and to ensure that the integrity of the sport is

upheld.

"Millions of race fans from around the world will be witnessing a historic

spectacle at New York's beautiful Belmont Park on June 9, and the Racing and

Wagering Board will ensure that the race is run in a safe and fair manner,"

Racing and Wagering Board Chairman John D. Sabini said. "The protocols put forth

here will protect horses, riders and the betting public and underscore the

symbolism of the world-class racing held in New York State."

Beginning Wednesday, June 6, all horses entered in the Belmont Stakes will be

required to be stalled in a secured area at Belmont Park, known as a stakes

barn. The New York Racing Association (NYRA) will designate the specific

location of the stakes barn and ensure that all entered horses be stalled at the

location until the conclusion of the race. Racing and Wagering Board personnel

and the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau will assist in security of the

Stakes Barn, which will be subjected to scrutinized oversight.

All horses running in the Belmont Stakes, upon arrival at the stakes barn on

June 6, 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.

The stakes barn will operate under the following procedures beginning noon,

June 6, 2012:

While NYRA security will be responsible for logging ingress and egress and

monitoring the areas surrounding the stakes barn, RWB investigators will provide

surveillance within the stakes barn beginning on Wednesday, June 6 continuously

up and to the conclusion of the Belmont Stakes on June 9, as noted above. RWB

will have personnel to effectively monitor horses in the stakes barn as well as

the other horses on the grounds of Belmont. The stakes barn will only be used

for horses that are participating in the actual Belmont Stakes race.

RWB licensing personnel will ensure that all participants at Belmont are

properly receipted or licensed. Additionally, safeguards throughout the grounds

are being implemented:

NYRA will have additional roving security teams during Belmont Stakes day,

overseeing the handling and movement of Belmont Stakes horses.

Bet the Belmont Stakes at TwinSpires.com