Disqualification leads to Country House Kentucky win

Horse Racing
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Country House has been awarded the 145th Kentucky Derby after Maximum Security was disqualified.

The favourite for the event, Maximum Security, crossed the line first in front of 150,000 fans at Churchill Downs to take the race which is worth $3million.

However, following a steward’s inquiry which took over 20 minutes following the conclusion of the race, the decision was made to take the race away from Maximum Security – the first time in its 145 year history a winner has been disqualified.

He veered off line coming off the last turn, blocking the path of War Of Will and Long Range Toddy.

Complaints were lodged and riders were interviewed by stewards following the race, before the final result was announced.

It means the 65-1 outsider, ridden by Flavian Prat for trainer Bill Mott, was declared the winner, in what is the trainer’s first ever triumph.

‘It’s a bittersweet victory but I’ve got to say our horse ran very well and our jockey rode very well,’ said 65-year-old Mott.

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