The proprietor of disqualified Kentucky Derby winner, Maximum Security, has so much confidence in his horse he has issued a $20 million challenge to several competitions.
Gary West is offering $5 million annually to the proprietors of Country House, War Of Will, Long Range Toddy and Bodexpress if some one of those colts finish ahead of Maximum Security next time they race against him this season.
“Most experts agree that Maximum Security was the best horse at the Kentucky Derby,” West said.
“I don’t care to explore the controversy surrounding the events of this race along with the disqualification of my horse at this time, however I firmly believe I have the very best three-year-old in the country and I am eager to put my money where my mouth is.”
Country House was the raised winner of the Kentucky Derby while War Of Will placed 7th after completing 8th, Bodexpress went to 13th out of 14th and Long Range Toddy 16th from 17th.
West said his deal had nothing to do with what happened in the Kentucky Derby on May 4 in which Maximum Security was disqualified after stewards agreed he interfered with the route of other horses in the final turn.
The conclusion produced Maximum Security, who had been 4-1 favorite, the very first winner to be staged to get an on-track infraction from the event’s 145-year history.
He was demoted to 17th.
According to West’s announcement, there are no limitations regarding the type of race, location, space or track surface, and the offer is only valid for the next time Maximum Security races against some of the other horses.
West will donate 100 percent of Maximum Security’s winnings in the struggle to the Disabled Jockey’s Fund. If no owners take the struggle, West vowed to give 10 percent of Maximum Security’s future life racing earnings to the business enterprise.
“I am doing this because I think that it would be good for racing along with a unique opportunity to attract more folks into racing due to the elevated interest that would bring to the game,” he said.
Read more: bdbma.com