In an incredible finish to the 145th Kentucky Derby, accompanied by video review and reversed decision, a 65-1 longshot horse named Country House has won the historic horse race in what some fans (and sports bettors) claim cheated Maximum Security out of his rightful victory.
As reported by The New York Times, "The speedy Maximum Security, the only undefeated horse in the field, appeared to win the 145th Kentucky Derby at rain-soaked Churchill Downs to keep his streak intact." However, as reported by the Associated Press, a 20-minute objection led that decision being overturned. It turns out that Maximum Security made contact with a fellow horse named War of Will which disqualified him from the race. This meant that Country House, the second place finisher, is the 2019 Kentucky Dery winner.
Country House was trained by Bill Mott and ridden by jockey Flavien Prat. Fans across Twitter let Derby officials hear their disagreements with their choice of winner.
OH MY GOD!!! ??
— Sports Plug (@_SportsPlug) May 4, 2019
Maximum Security has been disqualified for impeding multiple other horses’ paths.
Country House at (65-1) is now officially the winner of the Kentucky Derby.#KentuckyDerby2019 pic.twitter.com/9n8VzU9jIs
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? That’s absolutely ridiculous to overturn that. Total bullshit ?????? #KentuckyDerby2019
— Storm Paglia ???? (@storm_paglia) May 4, 2019
Wow. Wow. An asterisk for the Ages attached to Country House. But overdue for Mott. Crowd noise becomes the decisive factor in the event, spooking Maximum Security out of his path. Clear foul. But still doubted they’d DQ him. #KentuckyDerby
— Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) May 4, 2019
Mott's camp was understandably ecstatic with the win.
The reaction from @Riley_Mott and crew as Country House’s number went up and they brought the colt back to be re-tacked for the #KyDerby winner’s circle pic.twitter.com/42ghzrbZ8B
— Nicole Russo (@DRFRusso) May 4, 2019
This is the first time the Kentucky Derby's history that a winning horse has been disqualified. Country House'svitory makes him the second most long-shot winner ever in the race.
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