Country House (yellow) and Maximum Security (pink and black).
Image: Racing Post
By Andrew Eddy
Gary West, the owner of disqualified Kentucky Derby horse Maximum Security, has attempted to appeal the decision – only to find out that he cannot do so.
West has also confirmed that Maximum Security would not chase the second leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes.
Appearing on NBC’s Today show, West challenged the standard 20-horse Kentucky Derby field, saying it was risky to horses and jockeys, then declared Maximum Security out of the Preakness.
“There is no Triple Crown on the line for us and there is no reason to run a horse back in two weeks when you don’t have to,” West said.
The Los Angeles Times reported that the appeal he filed with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission was denied because disqualifications are exempt from the appeal process.
“The stewards unanimously disqualified Maximum Security following two objections lodged immediately after the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby and after a thorough review of a race replay,” said John L. Forgy, general counsel of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, in a letter to Maximum Security’s connections.
“That determination is not subject to an appeal.”
On Saturday, Churchill Downs stewards disqualified the winner for interference, marking the first time in the race’s 145-year history the first horse past the post was not declared the victor.
Country House, who had crossed the line second, was declared the winner. The decision has been the subject of national debate that has even included President Trump, who said it was a byproduct of political correctness.
This article first appeared on Racing.com and is reprinted here with their kind permission. To find out more about Racing Victoria’s Off the Track program, visit rv.racing.com/the-horse/off-the-track.
READ THE LATEST NEWS ARTICLES HERE
