Keeneland ups security in wake of Las Vegas shooting

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)- Today is opening day for Keeneland’s fall meet.

Thousands of people headed out to the track to catch the races and hundreds of employees have been working hard to make sure all of them stay safe.

The wait is over, Keeneland racing is finally back.

Thousands of people are out here enjoying opening day and staff are out here doing their best to keep everyone in that happy mood by making sure they stay safe and secure.

In the wake of the horrific shooting in Las Vegas earlier this week security officials at Keeneland say they’ve stepped up their security protocol.

Officials say they have brought in added guards and police to the track and have implemented a more thorough screening and bag checking process at the entrance gates.

Officials say they have a strict no gun policy at the track and will do their best to protect people without interfering with the fun of race day.

“We try to post all of our requirements at all of our shuttle stops as well and on our website so that when people are planning their day they know what is permissible out here and people are beginning to understand what it takes to plan to come to any kind of sporting event or any kind of large gathering of people. And so people are used to a lot of the mechanisms and the things that we have to go through to ensure everybody’s have a safe and fun time,” said Vince Gabbert of the Keeneland Association.

Management say they will have these security measures in place all season and say their goal is to make everyone feel safe with out even noticing.