Maximum Security will forever be remembered as the first horse to be disqualified for interference after crossing the finish line first in the Kentucky Derby. But now he’ll also be remember as the first horse ever to win the Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, which offered a $20 million purse as the richest horse race in the world.
Besides the $20 million purse, the race attracted incredible international attention because it was a great betting opportunity, especially for those who took advantage of a betrivers promo code before putting their money down on the big race. With Luis Saez riding for trainer Jason Servis and owners Gary and Mary West, John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, the 4-year-old son of New Year’s Day earned an amazing $10 million for the win, and his bankroll now stands at nearly $12 million with eight wins from 10 career starts.
In reality, Maximum Security has only been beaten once – when he ran a surprising second in the Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth Park – as he seemed to have won the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs convincingly. Of course that race ended with a controversial decision with Country House being declared the winner and Maximum Security being placed 17th for interfering with another horse.
Since that historic day, racing fans and horsemen have debated that disqualification, and surely they will continue for a long time. However, there is no argument that Maximum Security was the best horse that day, and he proved that again be defeating a stellar field that included American rivals Midnight Bisou and Mucho Gusto along with some of the top international horses in the Saudi Cup. His connections have indicated that Maximum Security will likely pass on the Dubai World Cup to get some well earned rest, especially since he has nothing else to prove by winning that race.
We can only hope that he’ll come back strong later this year and perhaps we’ll see him take a shot at the Breeders’ Cup Classic this fall.