LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Maximum Security led the Kentucky Derby every step of the way except for the last one — into the winner's circle.
The colt became the first winner disqualified for interference in the Derby's 145-year history, leading to an agonizing wait and an eventual stunning reversal that made 65-1 shot Country House the winner Saturday.
Country House finished second in the slop before objections were raised, causing a 22-minute delay while three stewards repeatedly reviewed different video angles before they unanimously elevated him into the winner's circle.
"It's bittersweet. You always want to win with a clean trip and have everybody recognize the horse as the very good horse and great athlete that he is," Mott said. "Due to the disqualification, I think some of that is diminished."
That gave Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott his first Derby victory at age 65.
Jockey Flavien Prat, one of two jockeys who originated the claim of foul, also won his first Derby.
"I'm kind of speechless right now," Prat said, letting out a long sigh.
Country House paid $132.40 to win — the second-highest payout in Derby history. He was the least affected horse in the chain of events on the rain-soaked track, but the biggest beneficiary.
"Looking at the tote board there's probably a lot of people that didn't think we could win," Mott said, "but that's horse racing."
Gary West, who owns Maximum Security with his wife, Mary, indicated they may pursue an appeal.
"I think this is the most egregious disqualification in the history of horse racing," he told The Associated Press by phone, "and not just because it's our horse."
The victory was worth $1.8 million; Maximum Security earned nothing since only the top five finishers are paid.
Country House was dismissed as a long shot with a bad post on the far outside. It was only the chestnut colt's second win in seven career starts and his first stakes victory.
After an EXTREMELY long review... Maximum Security is DISQUALIFIED after an objection and Country House wins the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KentuckyDerby?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KentuckyDerby</a> WOW.... This is crazy. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WPXI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WPXI</a>