Historic disqualification in Kentucky Derby

History was created in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday when for the very first time in the 145 editions of the event, the initial winner was disqualified. 9-2 chance Maximum Security who passed the post in front with jockey Luis Saez aboard, was later disqualified for causing interference to War of Will and almost causing other horses to collide coming off the final turn for home.

The three stewards deliberated for almost 25 minutes and the race was eventually awarded to the 65-1 chance Country House, giving jockey Flavien Pratt his first Kentucky Derby victory for trainer William Mott. The speedy Maximum Security, the only undefeated horse in the field, was aiming to become the seventh consecutive favourite to win the Kentucky Derby, the first first leg of the American Triple Crown.

The second leg, the 144th running of the Preakness Stakes, will be run on May 18 at the Pimlico race course in Baltimore, Maryland.