Royal Ascot is using sniffer dogs throughout the complex for this week's event.GETTY IMAGES
There were "no incidents of any significance" on the first day of Royal Ascot, where heightened security measures were in place "to prevent any repeat of the drunken violence that marred a meeting at the same course in May," according to Greg Wood of the London GUARDIAN. The procedures included "extensive use of sniffer dogs" at the racecourse entrance and throughout the enclosures "to target racegoers in possession of illegal drugs." Extra security personnel were also on duty at the course and the track reserved the right to breath-test spectators on arrival "if it was believed that they had already been drinking to excess." Ascot Dir of Racing & Communications Nick Smith said, "There have been no incidents today of sufficient significance to be passed up the line. Nobody was breath-tested as there was not felt to be any need, but the equipment will remain in place." Ascot "felt obliged to increase what were already the most significant security procedures" at any British race meeting following two "serious incidents of disorder" at major Saturday race meetings this year (GUARDIAN, 6/19).
