Country House finishes second, wins Kentucky Derby after objection

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Yahoo Sports

Pat Forde

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For the first time in the history of the Kentucky Derby, the winner of the race did not finish first.

Maximum Security, sent off as the tepid top choice at 9-2, bolted to the early lead and held it all the way to the wire, seemingly winning the 145th run for the roses, finishing a few lengths ahead of longshot Country House.

However, Country House jockey Flavien Prat and Jon Court of Long Range Toddy both filed an objection immediately after the race, claiming Maximum Security impeded the run of another horse. Replay shows Maximum Security did step out from his line near the rail, veering in front of War of Will (who ultimately crossed the line in eighth).

The scene at Churchill Downs was surreal as the three stewards examined footage for more than 15 minutes, with jockeys, horses and their connections standing on the muddied track waiting for an official result.

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Flavien Prat on Country House, left, races against Luis Saez on Maximum Security, third from left, during the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 4, 2019, in Louisville, Ky. Maximum Security was disqualified and Country House won the race. (AP)

Read more: https://sports.yahoo.com/maximum-security-wins-the-kentucky-derby-225449238.html

[mcar]

1. Strange happening

But I ended up winning the family pool!

[elleng]

2. Good! What'd you get???

[mcar]

3. $80

[George II]

4. one of the worst disqualifications I've seen in more than 50 years of following racing...

I'm getting soured on this game!!

[hay rick]

7. The overhead view from behind makes a better case for the DQ.

That said, I've seen worse cases where the result is allowed to stand.

This year's Run for the Roses was cursed by the fates. Omaha Beach. Rain that held off, but not quite long enough. And then the DQ.

I should probably add 19 horses in the starting gate to the litany of woes. The 20-horse field limit still feels like a gimmick to me. If the field is limited to 12, or even 14, you don't have the same kind of traffic problems- and Country House isn't even on the track. He's Mine that Bird II.

I put $2 on Bodexpress just so I could say I bet on the 21 horse!

[Skittles]

5. that is an awesome picture

[Bayard]

6. It sucked

I think that was a bad call. Maximum Security was clearly the best horse today. I'd like to see him take the Preakness and Belmont now.

[democratisphere]

8. I think it is time for the horses to race the humans in the muck and mire.

I'll bet the humans would struggle to stay in their lanes racing in the wet sloppy mess.

The results of the derby are a grave injustice. The real winner gets gypped again.

[SKKY]

9. Given the condition of the track, it's impossible to overstate how dangerous it was...

...for the horses that got pushed off their lines. Instead of talking about a horse DQ'd, this could have easily been about 3-4 horses that were put down. Plus, the Steward who has 30+ years experience, and her panel were unanimous in their decision. A tough decision for sure, but absolutely the right one.

[yerop]

10. Wait what? The Kentucky Derby has an Electoral College?

[Marthe48]

12. if they can fix a presidential election-

I've watched the Triple Crown races for 40 years. I never heard of 'lanes'. I've heard of jockeying for position.
I hope Maximum Security wins the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes.
I never bet on the horses, but I always hope for a Triple Crown winner.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

11. Yes, Maximum Security fouled War of Will, but ...

... it also fouled Code of Honor who had moved up along the rail. When Max Sec "corrected" its path, the rail was already occupied, so it bumped Code of Honor. Double foul, good disqualification call.

As usual, I had no money on the race. But, I did have a mint julep prior to the bell.

[jcgoldie]

17. I agree that horse was all over the place

He wasn't spooked he clearly went all Nascar and blocked horses with momentum on both sides. It's a shame the two horses who had the momentum to pass didn't benefit from the decision but them's the breaks. The judges the right decision.

[twogunsid]

13. Dancer's Image was disqualified from 1st in the 1968 Derby....

....for testing positive for Bute. Maximum Security bore out at least five paths in the turn. Rules state that it is the jockey's responsibility to maintain his horse on a straight line. It was a tough call by the stewards but I believe it was the right call.

Link to tweet

[CountAllVotes]

14. K&R !!!

& recommend !!

[Blue_Tires]

15. High drama...

Glad I actually watched it this year..

[Coventina]

16. Horse racing is cruel and barbaric.