Maximum Security crossed the wire first but was disqualified from the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby,, with long shot Country House getting the victory. (Photo credit: Churchill Downs).
It was the Maximum Security who took the field gate to wire in the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) over a sloppy track, but after a 22-minute delay it was Country House that adorned the roses in the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs on a rainy Saturday evening.
The Jason Sevis trainer Maximum Security, with jockey Luis Saez aboard set sharp early fractions and turned for home with a slew of foes breathing down his neck. The colt angled off the rail, putting War at Will in tight and he managed to stave off his competition with Country House rallying to cross the wire second.
To add insult to injury, the stewards placed Maximum Security 17th, stating the colt also interfered with Long Range Toddy.
Country House, who was third in the Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park in his final prep returned $132.40 to win and gave Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott his first win in the Kentucky Derby.
Flavien Prat was aboard Country House, who is a son of Lookin At Lucky, who had his own trouble in the 2010 Kentucky Derby where he had traffic woes in a sixth-place finish.
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The Shug McGaughey trained Code of Honor was moved up to the runner up spot, completing a $2 exacta that paid $3,009.60. Tacitus was third and completed a $1 trifecta that paid $11,475.30.
2019 Kentucky Derby Replay
Improbable and Game Winner were elevated to fourth and fifth while Roadster was a disappointing 16th. Baffert was seeking to tie the record of six Derby wins, held by Ben Jones.
Improbable ended up the betting favorite at 4-1, while Maximum Security was the second choice at 9-2. The loss of Improbable ended a six-year streak of the favorite winning the Run for the Roses.
2019 Kentucky Derby Payoffs
Country House $132.40 $56.60 $24.60
Code of Honor $15.20 $9.80
Tacitus $5.60
$2 Exacta: (20-13) $3,009.60
$1 Trifecta: (20-13-8) $11,475.30
Twitter Reactions
While you have to feel bad for the connections, particularly the Wests, the correct call was made, and ultimately that’s what matters. Congrats to Bill Mott, who saddled a deserving winner no matter how you look at it.
— Andy Serling (@andyserling) May 4, 2019
This is the slow-mo they just showed of Maximum Security’s leg literally hitting War of Will’s leg twice. Like I said, a miracle there wasn’t a complete disaster out there. pic.twitter.com/QKY1xPEMyF
— Jeremy Balan (@jeremybalan) May 4, 2019
Maximum Security very clearly impeded War of Will. MS was likely the best horse in the race today – but that doesn’t change the fact that he impeded War of Will, likely costing him a placing. Country House happens to be the beneficiary. A warranted DQ IMO. #KentuckyDerby
— Matt Bernier (@bernier_matt) May 4, 2019
In no other racing jurisdiction outside of North America does Maximum Security get demoted. Please, please, please America, let’s get this corrected.
— Pat Cummings (@PatCummingsTIF) May 4, 2019
