Kentucky Derby post-time favorite Maximum Security pulled away down the stretch to take first place in the 145th Kentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs, but the finishing order was dramatically changed following lengthy post-race investigation into a controversial mid-race move by the winning horse.
In the final turn, Maximum Security was leading the pack near the rail, but made a slight movement toward the outside and changed lanes, causing War of Will to check up to avoid a collision. There was an objection called to the result, and after the race stewards reviewed the video, Maximum Security was disqualified from the race, handing the victory to 62-1 longshot Country House.
Maximum Security’s disqualification marked the first time in history that the win was stripped due to an in-race foul. The New Orleans Saints, no strangers to controversial finishes, had a perfect reaction.
