For eight years, Boone County Police Capt. Jeff Martin has protected the rich, the famous and the equine during the Kentucky Derby.

Teri Hatcher is accompanied by Boone County Police Capt. Jeff Martin (right) at a previous Derby. (Jeff Martin photo) | ZOOM |

        He started working the Derby as a trade — Louisville officers come here to assist with the Spiral Stakes and Boone County officers return the favor by helping with the Derby.

        “We guard the paddock where the horses are right before the race,” Capt. Martin said. “We only let in people with the proper credentials. It's too dangerous to have too many people in there.”

        As part of the security detail, he waits at the finish line during the race, then assists with security at the winner's circle.

        .Capt. Martin also provides security for the stars.

        “We keep people from bothering the celebrities,” he said. One of his favorites returns each year. “Bo Derek is one of the nicest, but most of them are nice. They take the time to sign autographs.”

        Other celebrities he has met include: Muhammad Ali, Milton Berle, Jon Lovitz, Teri Hatcher, Sylvester Stallone and Roma Downey. He remembers enforcing the “No-smoking-and-drinking-in-the-paddock” rule with Jack Nicholson.

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        “He was smoking fine Kentucky tobacco and drinking a bourbon. We told him he had to stop, and just kidding around he went into character and said, "You mean to tell me I can't drink and smoke in the state of Kentucky?'”

        Capt. Martin said last year the Derby saw its second-largest crowd on record, with approximately 152,000 people.

        He added as a comparison that the Spiral Stakes usually has 25,000 attendees. Capt. Martin works The Kentucky Oaks, the race the day before the Derby as well.

        A 26-year veteran of the Boone County police force, Capt. Martin also has spent time with celebrities during his regular job. “I have shaken the hand of every president since Nixon, except for Clinton,” Capt. Martin said of the presidential security details he has worked.

        He even attended the Secret Service Dignitary Protection School to improve his skills.

        At Turfway Park, Capt. Martin has met Chuck Norris, Dean Cain and John Forsythe. He also worked security for Molly Ringwald during the filming of Fresh Horses.

        “I've had a unique career,” Capt. Martin said. “I've gotten to meet a lot of people most people don't get to meet.”

        On this Derby Day, however, he is on vacation — in Hawaii. “That's the only reason I'm missing it,” he said. “Next year, I'll be right back at it.”

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