University Emergency Medical Services and the Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad will be present for the first time at the Foxfield horse races Saturday.
Marcus Martin, chair of University Emergency Medical Services, told fraternity and sorority members at their annual Foxfield informational meeting that the U-EMS presence is part of the mass-gathering event management already in place at such University events as football games.
"There will be doctors there who can help the curing process before you even get to the hospital," Foxfield Marketing Director Anne Browne said.
This is the only major change to the logistics of Foxfield following a crack-down on underage drinking at last year's event.
The Foxfield races last year were the most successful in several years, Albemarle County Lieutenant John Teixeira said.
The students came through with "flying colors and should be commended for their behavior," he said. "We hope to see that behavior continue this year."
Fifty state policemen will back up officials from Alcoholic Beverage Control, Foxfield President J. Benjamin Dick said.
Dick emphasized that groups with plots at the event should not serve drinks to minors and said doing so warrants a charge of "contributing to the delinquency of minors."
"We want you to actually watch the fabulous jockeys, horses and owners," Dick said. "It is a unique equestrian sport and it is fun to watch."
The police will continue their zero tolerance policy for underage drinking, Albemarle County Corporal Glenn Fink said.
"We don't have to see a drink in your hand, all you have to do is exhibit the physical characteristics and we will charge you for it," Fink said.
The number of portable toilets at the races also will be increased at this year's event.
"We will have a vault-privy on the lower side of the track for gentlemen so that the port-a-johns will be free for the ladies," Foxfield Director of Racing Patrick Butterfield said.
IFC President David Bowman and ISC President Courtney Cherry said they both were pleased with the turnout at the meeting.
Similar information sessions have already been held at James Madison University, Hampden Sydney, Washington and Lee and Sweetbriar, Browne said.
She added the reason they held the meeting with the ISC and IFC is because Greeks occupy all of the rail spots at the races and that if they exemplify good behavior then all the other students will follow.
Tickets can be purchased online or at Mincer's, but they will not be available at the door this year, Butterfield said.
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