Horse owner to lose £7.5million after investigation rules his runner should be disqualified four years after race
A RACEHORSE owner stands to lose £7.5million – after an investigation concluded his horse should be disqualified from a race he won four years ago.
Maximum Security’s Saudi Cup saga has dragged on since the Jason Servis-trained thoroughbred claimed the world’s richest race in 2020.
The contest has been plagued in drama ever since, with Servis sentenced to four years in prison last July for doping horses.
He was told by Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil: “You cheated. You lied. You broke the law.”
His sentence was part of the US government’s crackdown on drug cheats in racing.
Maximum Security’s contentious win has remained in the background throughout the case.
But the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia issued an update in a statement on Tuesday, where they said Maximum Security should be disqualified once and for all.
The statement read: “Further to the conviction and imprisonment of the racehorse trainer Jason Servis, the JCSA has now concluded its investigation into the release of the prize money from the race, specifically the prize money due to the connections of winning horse Maximum Security.
“Following the conclusion of that investigation and pursuant to the Racing Rules of the JCSA (Rules) and the Horseman’s Guide (Guide), the JCSA has now authorised charges to be brought against Jason Servis, the former trainer of the horse Maximum Security.
“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.”
Speaking in December 2022, Maximum Security’s owner Gary West said he would support the decision to redistribute the prize money.
And it looks like now he will get his wish.
Speaking at the time, West said: “We believe in the justice system and have patiently waited for the legal prosecution to take its course.
“If the Saudi Cup purse is redistributed we would support that decision.
“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.”
If Maximum Security is disqualified then Midnight Bisou would be promoted to winner and take home the £7.5m cheque.
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