Anger in Kentucky after disqualification for the first time

Maximum Security came into the 2019 Kentucky Derby as a four timer, and was set to leave Churchill Downs with his perfect record intact. He reached the 145th Run for the Roses ahead, despite a late scare from Code of Honour.

However, glory was robbed after fifteen minutes of euphoria, as a rider's objection led to the first disqualification ever, in this race, at least in terms of alleged infractions. Deemed to have interfered with several horses, Maximum Security was promptly stripped of his title -- with Country House 65-1, a surprise contender down the stretch, bagging Triple Crown's round one.

WITHDRAWAL

After Omaha Beach's late withdrawal due to an epiglottis issue, legendary trainer Bob Baffert's, Improbable, headlined a trio of favoured Thoroughbreds in Saturday's race. But, Maximum Security, who also won the Florida Derby, seemingly went wire to wire with his run before stewards reviewed circumstances, and, instead awarded it to Country House.

An objection was filed by Jon Court, who rode Long Range Toddy, and Flavien Prat, Country House's jockey. They claimed Maximum Security interfered with the progress of other horses.

After deliberating for what seemed like an eternity, it was unanimously determined that Maximum Security moved out of his lane crossing Long Range Toddy, and Country House, while in the final turn.

 BILL MOTT

This is the second win for Country House after Gulfstream Park in January.  He is also the son of Lookin at Lucky, winner of the 2010 Preakness Stakes, and, Indiana Derby.

The ruling on Saturday night, gave trainer Bill Mott, 65, his bittersweet initiation at Churchill Downs.

"You always want to win with a clean trip and have everybody recognize a horse aa a superb athlete," Mott said in a news conference.

Rain poured for nearly an hour before post time, forcing officials to downgrade the track condition to sloppy. So, order of finishing was Country House, Code of Honor, Tacitus, Improbable, Game Winner, Master Fencer, War of Will, Plus Que Parfait, and, Win Win Win.

Maximum Security ended up seventeenth out of nineteen runners

 ***

Trainer Aidan O'Brien claimed his 10th 2,000 Guineas as Magna Grecia (Donnacha O'Brien 9-4), won the first Flat racing Classic at Newmarket by 2.5 lengths.

Ten Sovereigns (Ryan Moore 6-4), could not challenge, ending up fifth.

Richard Hannon's outsider, King of Change 66-1 was second, with Skardu 8-1, third.

SIXTH

On a breezy afternoon, over the Rowley Mile, it was a small group of three on the near-side rail who were influential, Silvestre de Sousa setting the pace on Shine So Bright, before fading to sixth, and King of Change holding on for second.

It is not in Aidan O'Brien's renowned modest nature to shout about his long list of extraordinary achievements, but a hat-trick in this most significant of races rates scarily high, underlined by it not having been done for so long.

Having the best-bred equine talent is something, but they still have to be managed.