About 600 federal, state and local law enforcement officers, along with 250 security personnel, will be stationed around Pimlico Race Course for the 141st Preakness on Saturday, officials said.
Maj. Mike Singletary, vice president of security operations for the Maryland Jockey Club, said police and security officers will be positioned throughout the track during the day, with security supervisors arriving at 5 a.m. Saturday to prepare.
Baltimore Police canceled leave for officers, who will be helping with crowd control, traffic duties and being a general presence at Pimlico, while other officers will maintain posts throughout the city, police spokesman T.J. Smith said.
"Much like years past, we're partnering with security staff there at the race track in and about the area," Smith said. "People will want to see a police presence in that area with that many people coming through."
The department regularly handles large scale events, such as New Year's Eve and Fourth of July fireworks at the Inner Harbor. Canceling leave is not uncommon during the city's largest events, Smith said, and is done "out of abundance of caution. [The Preakness is] one of the largest events in Maryland."
In the past, police have dealt with rowdy crowds in the infield, particularly when race-goers were allowed to bring their own alcohol to the racetrack. Outside alcoholic beverages were banned several years ago.
"Since the policy has changed, our ejection and arrest rate has decreased about 95 percent," Singletary said.
Police made only one arrest at the Preakness last year and about 50 people were ejected.
Last year's race came just three weeks after rioting in the city following the funeral of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old who died of injuries sustained while in police custody.
The Preakness drew a record crowd of 131,680 last year. Spectators endured a sudden rainstorm and lightning to watch American Pharoah win the muddy race. American Pharoah would go on to become the first Triple Crown winner since 1978.
"We're always proud to be able to run one of the biggest events in the state of Maryland, to showcase the Maryland Jockey Club, but also put a shine on Baltimore City," Singletary said.
Smith, who will be working Saturday, said "we're just looking forward to it."
He said he also planned to get into the spirit, and planned to dress up.
"I'm wearing an outfit I won't ever wear again. Something a little bit different for Preakness," Smith said. "A light blue or purple sport coat," he said, and possibly a red bow tie.
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