The next stop in the chase for the Triple Crown is the Preakness, though both Maximum Security and Country House remain noncommittal for the May 18 race following Maximum Security’s disqualification from the Kentucky Derby.
Owner Gary West says he is unsure whether to enter Maximum Security in the Preakness as he ponders appealing the historic decision.
West realizes the appeals process could extend well beyond the race at Pimlico in Baltimore. And with Kentucky racing stewards’ ruling that Maximum Security interfered with other horses that led to his disqualification, there might not be a point to racing the colt in the Triple Crown series’ middle jewel.
Maximum Security was first to finish Saturday’s muddy Derby before becoming the marquee race’s first winner to be disqualified for interference. Stewards elevated long shot runner-up Country House to the winner’s circle.
Country House trainer Bill Mott said the colt was in good shape after the Derby but remained noncommittal about the 1 1/8-mile Preakness. It would mark Country House’s fourth race in eight weeks.
Bettors who wagered on Maximum Security in the Derby will receive refunds.
Twinspires.com, Churchill Downs’ online wagering service, tweeted that it will give back up to $10 to anyone who bet on Maximum Security to win in Saturday’s Derby.
The company said $6,212,046 was bet on the colt to win. Maximum Security also had $1,495,408 bet to place and $1,272,082 wagered to show, so the disqualification cost those bettors about $9 million.
Country House, a 65-1 shot, was moved up to first place from second. The colt paid $132.40, $56.60 and $24.60.
Twinspires.com says $520,907 was wagered on Country House to win.
A $2 exacta wager — involving horses finishing first and second — paid $3,009.60. A $1 superfecta bet — involving the first four horses — returned $51,400.10.
Churchill Downs said wagering on the Kentucky Derby increased 10% to a record $165.5 million, surpassing the old mark of $149.9 million set last year. This year’s wagering included $4.1 million bet in Japan, the first time the Derby was offered for wagering in that country. Master Fencer, the first Japan-bred to run in the Derby, was sixth.