Country House wins Kentucky Derby after Maximum Security is disqualified

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In the most controversial decision in Kentucky Derby history, 65-to-1 long shot Country House was named the winner of the race after Maximum Security, who went under the wire first, was disqualified by stewards. 

Though it’s the second time a winner has been disqualified in the race’s 145-year history, it’s the first time it’s happened because of a foul claim during the race. In 1968, Dancer’s Image was disqualified days after the race because of a drug violation.

Maximum Security was taken down due to an incident coming around the turn when he veered out slightly, squeezing War of Will and causing Long Range Toddy to take back. Though jockey Luis Saez was able to straighten Maximum Security almost immediately coming off the turn, the racing stewards determined that the foul was egregious enough to take down a Derby winner — and a commanding one at that as Maximum Security had led every step.

An explanation of Maximum Security's #KyDerby disqualification. pic.twitter.com/vf8AN4qvD2

Bill Mott, the trainer of Country House, told NBC during the 15-minute review of the foul claim that he thought Maximum Security would be disqualified if it was a maiden race on a weekday, not the Kentucky Derby.

“It's not supposed to matter — Kentucky Derby or whatever it is,” Mott said. “There's a couple horses that nearly went down in the race and it eliminated all chance for them." 

Country House races during the 145th Kentucky Derby. (Photo: Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports)

Code of Honor took second at 14-to-1, while Tacitus finished third at 5-to-1. By rule, Maximum Security was officially placed 17th behind Long Range Toddy.

The $132.40 payout for a $2 win ticket for Country House is the second-highest in Derby history. 

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