I don’t see why there is any controversy at all concerning the Kentucky Derby and Maximum Security being disqualified:
The announcement seemed to come from the heavens, and then all hell broke loose.
“Hold all tickets.”
Country House was declared the winner of Saturday’s Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs after the second disqualification in the race’s 145-year history. Maximum Security crossed the finish line first in 2:03.93 but was moved to 17th place after a lengthy review.
Many in the rain-soaked crowd of 150,729 booed the result. Connections of Maximum Security celebrated in the winner’s circle but were quickly escorted out, replaced by Country House’s connections.
As the race stewards reviewed the video, Country House trainer Bill Mott stood in the middle of the sloppy Churchill track, surrounded by reporters.
“They don’t take many horses down in the Kentucky Derby,” Mott said before the disqualification was announced. “If it was a maiden $10,000 on a Thursday, it would be a no-brainer. They don’t want the controversy, I’m sure, but you’re supposed to keep a straight line.”
I’m no horse racing expert, but we watch the Grand National and the Triple Crown every year, and that sudden lurch to the right by Maximum Security as he rounded the last bend was entirely obvious live. I didn’t realize it was actually illegal, but I even happened to comment on what a massive mistake it was by the jockey at the time, because it opened up an easy inside lane for Code of Honor, although the eventual second-place finisher was unable to take advantage of it.
Given that sort of cross-lane lurch is grounds for disqualification, there is absolutely no question that disqualifying the horse was the right decision. It was as obvious as the pass interference that wasn’t called in the NFC championship game between the Rams and the Saints.