The Kentucky Derby ended in shocking fashion on Saturday.
Maximum Security, the favorite entering the Kentucky Derby, crossed the line first during the opening leg of the Triple Crown on Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. But Country House, the horse that finished second, ended up the official winner after the jockey for another horse, War of Will, filed an objection arguing Maximum Security impeded War of Will's progress during the race. A lengthy review process determined that was indeed the case.
Country House's victory is surprising no matter how it happened, with the horse registering at 65-1 odds, making him a major long shot. Country House's trainer, Hall of Famer Bill Mott, called the win "bittersweet" and said Maximum Security's disqualification "diminished" it somewhat.
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As for the other side, Maximum Security's jockey, Luis Saez, said he "never put anybody in danger," and the horse may have "ducked out a little bit" due to the noise of the crowd. Maximum Security's team is considering appealing the ruling, ESPN reports.
The Kentucky Derby is the first of the three Triple Crown races and will be followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Last year saw just the second Triple Crown winner since 1975 when Justify emerged victorious in all three races.
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