NEW YORK — The co-owner of Maximum Security, the horse that crossed the finish line first at the Kentucky Derby but was disqualified, said Monday on NBC's Today Show that he was stunned by the decision and plans to file an appeal with the state racing commission.
"We were stunned, shocked, and in total disbelief," Gary West said in an exclusive interview on "Today." "The appeal has to be filed within 48 hours so we’ll be filing that today."
Stewards on Saturday determined that the horse dangerously impeded the paths of others, and Country House was declared the winner. It was the first time in the Derby's 145-year history a horse was disqualified for action during the competition. (In 1968, the initial winner was later disqualified over a drug test).
West said on "Today" that Maximum Security would not be competing in the Preakness Stakes on May 18.
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