ARCADIA - Our California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) members who are California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) investigators will be out in force Saturday, April 5, 2014 for Santa Anita Derby Day.   Their task will be to safeguard the health and welfare of horses and riders at this very important event.

"Our members will be involved in this operation for various reasons," said California Association of Fraud Investigators (CAFI) Board Member Carol Nolan.  CAFI is an affiliate of the umbrella organization CSLEA.   "Additional Investigators are needed due to the size of the crowds attending this event. The winner of this event is eligible to enter into the Kentucky Derby. In addition, our Investigators will be utilized to ensure the security of the horses participating in this race, preventing access to any unauthorized people and or substances, maintaining the integrity of the race."

CHRB will have an increased security presence on the backside of Santa Anita for Derby Day and in addition to the usual CHRB enforcement personnel at Santa Anita, other  investigators and safety stewards are being brought in from Sacramento and Los Alamitos.

The added CHRB staffing will augment Santa Anita’s stakes race security, allowing for broad stable area coverage for the Derby program, which also includes the Santa Anita Oaks, and three other stakes on an 11-race card.

Santa Anita Park officials have also announced they will provide round-the-clock surveillance of all horses entered in the Santa Anita Derby beginning 72 hours before the April 5 race. This security measure will be similar to that provided for 2013’s Derby and for the 2013 Breeders’ Cup in Arcadia.

"Our CSLEA members with CHRB work year round to ensure the safety and security of horses participating in horse racing," said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  "The horses'  health, treatment  and well-being are of upmost importance  as is the integrity of the races themselves.  To say these investigators have their hands full, is an understatement.   We hope everyone has a great Derby Day."