Trump Weighs in on Kentucky Derby Controversy: Disqualification Based on 'Political Correctness'
- 'Only in these days of political correctness could such an overturn occur'
- Stewards ruled to disqualify Maximum Security based on interference
- Some racebooks now offering refunds
US President Trump has weighed in on the story everyone is talking about Sunday morning. Not the Mueller Report findings, not the low unemployment rate, not the debate over impeachment.
Trump was not happy with Saturday's Kentucky Derby outcome, and made his feelings known via his favorite social media platform Twitter.
”The Kentuky Derby decision was not a good one. It was a rough and tumble race on a wet and sloppy track, actually, a beautiful thing to watch,” Trump wrote on Twitter, misspelling the state’s name. “Only in these days of political correctness could such an overturn occur. The best horse did NOT win the Kentucky Derby – not even close!"
Churchill Downs stewards ruled to disqualify Maximum Security, who entered the Derby a 4-1 favorite only hours prior to post time after Improbable and Game Winner sat as co-favorites since mid-week's scratch of Omaha Beach.
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Barbara Borden, chief steward of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission tasked with protecting the sports integrity as well as the betting public, revealed that two jockeys had lodged complaints immediately following the conclusion of this year's race.
She explained that the riders of No. 18, Long Range Toddy, and No. 20, Country House lodged complaints against Maximum Security, saying there had been interference as they left the quarter-pole and headed for home.
“We had a lengthy review of the race,” Borden said. “We interviewed affected riders.” She said the stewards had unanimously agreed that Maximum Security drifted out and affected the progress of No. 1, War of Will, in turn interfering with Long Range Toddy and No. 21, Bodexpress.
“Those horses were all affected, we thought, by the interference,” she said. “Therefore, we unanimously determined to disqualify No. 7 and place him behind the 18, the 18 being the lowest-placed horse that he bothered, which is our typical procedure.” That made Maximum Security the 17th-place finisher officially.
Country House became the first horse to win the Derby on an objection as a result. BetOnline immediately announced it would be grading Maximum Security as "no action". Almost around the same time, TwinSpires said it would refund affected win bets up to $10. Exactas, trifectas and similar special wagers that included Maximum Security would not be refunded by the Churchill Downs owned betting company.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
