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| Sumita Pawar |
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The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia recently recommended that Maximum Security be disqualified from receiving the US$10 million winner's share from the inaugural Saudi Cup. This decision comes almost four years after the race took place and is based on the drug-related conviction of Jason Servis, the horse's former trainer.
If the Stewards Committee of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia approves the recommendation, the ownership of Maximum Security will lose the first-place earnings from the 2020 race.
Announcing their decision on 22nd January, the JCSA issued a statement authorizing charges to be brought against Jason Servis.
"The Charges allege substantial breaches of the Rules and the Guide and relate to the administration of Prohibited Substances to Maximum Security and failures to comply with the entry requirements for the Race.
"The JCSA will contend that the Stewards Committee should sanction Jason Servis and disqualify Maximum Security."
The former trainer of Maximum Security, Jason Servis, was sentenced to four years in prison in July 2023 for his involvement in doping the horses in his care with both approved and unapproved substances. Servis was among more than 30 defendants charged in four separate cases brought in March 2020, shortly after the inaugural Saudi Cup was held. Due to the evidence against Servis, Saudi officials held back the payment of prize money until the case was resolved.
If Maximum Security is disqualified from the 2020 Saudi Cup, Midnight Bisou, the horse who finished second under Mike Smith, would be eligible to receive the US$10 million winner's share of the purse. Midnight Bisou was trained by Steve Asmussen and raced for Bloom Racing Stable, Madaket Stables, and Allen Racing.
During the 2020 race, Maximum Security was ridden by Luis Saez and owned by breeders Gary and Mary West as well as Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith, all of whom are affiliated with Coolmore. Maximum Security currently stands at stud at Coolmore's Ashford Stud in Kentucky.
In a statement issued in December 2022, Gary West expressed his support for the redistribution of the prize money.
"Now that Jason Servis has entered a guilty plea, we want to make it clear that if the Saudi Cup decides to redistribute the purse, we would support that decision," West said. "Hopefully, that action will prevent future conduct of this nature. We believe the decision to take the Saudi Cup purse from Maximum Security and redistribute it is the correct one."
The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia stated that the discussions of the Stewards Committee will be held privately.
Furthermore, Luis Saez was the jockey of Maximum Security during the 2019 Gr.1 Kentucky Derby when the colt crossed the finish line first but was later disqualified and placed 17th due to interference. This decision resulted in the loss of the Wests' prize money of US$1.86 million.