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Maximum Security led the Kentucky Derby every step of the way except for the last one – into the winner’s circle. The colt became the first winner disqualified for interference in the Derby’s 145-year history, leading to an agonizing wait and an eventual stunning reversal that made 65-1 shot Country House the winner Saturday.
Country House finished second in the slop before objections were raised, causing a 20-minute delay while stewards repeatedly reviewed several angles of video footage before he was elevated into the winner’s circle. That gave Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott his first Derby victory at age 65.
Jockey Flavien Prat, who originated the claim of foul, also won his first Derby. Country House paid $132.40 to win – the second-highest payout in the Derby’s 145-year history.
The disqualification was a crushing turn of events for Maximum Security trainer Jason Servis and jockey Luis Saez, who already had begun celebrating what they thought were their first Derby victories.
Instead, previously undefeated Maximum Security was dropped to 17th of 19 horses. Sent off as the 9-2 second choice, Maximum Security was placed behind all the horses that he bothered.
The stewards reviewed race footage while keeping the crowd of 150,729 and millions more watching on television and online in suspense, clutching their betting tickets. Trainers and jockeys involved stared at the closest video screen waiting for a result. Code of Honor was moved up to second and Tacitus – also trained by Mott – was third.
Improbable was fourth and Game Winner fifth, two of trainer Bob Baffert’s trio of entries. His other horse, Roadster, was 15th. The only other disqualification in the Derby occurred long after the race in 1968. Dancer’s Image, the first-place finisher, tested positive for a prohibited medication, and Kentucky state racing officials ordered the purse money to be redistributed.
Forward Pass got the winner’s share. A subsequent court challenge upheld the stewards’ decision.
Country House wore the garland of red roses, but it’s possible the situation doesn’t end here. There could be appeals to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission or the courts.