Trump weighs in

President Donald Trump — in the manner he knows best — blasted Maximum Security’s disqualification on Twitter, blaming the Kentucky Derby outcome on “political correctness”:

“The Kentucky Derby decision was not a good one. It was a rough and tumble race on a wet and sloppy track, actually, a beautiful thing to watch. Only in these days of political correctness could such an overturn occur. The best horse did NOT win the Kentucky Derby — not even close!” the film to the owner and trainer that got disqualified for the first time in the history of the Kentucky Derby other than they aren’t working today, or Monday, or Tuesday or Wednesday.”

The Derby finish will be debated for some time, and that’s not good for the beleaguered sport.

Focus shifts to Preakness

Now racing moves to the Preakness and Pimlico, where nearly 6,700 seats at the dilapidated track have been deemed unsafe and will be unavailable. The Canada-based Stronach Group that owns Pimlico and Santa Anita has also clashed with Baltimore officials over concerns that ownership may move the Preakness to Laurel Race Course.

And the best story on the track may not materialize: a Maximum Security-country House rematch.

Country House trainer Bill Mott said the colt was in good shape after the Derby but remained noncommittal about the 1⅛mile Preakness, which is shorter than the Derby. It would mark his fourth race in eight weeks if he runs.

“It may compromise his chances a bit and it’s not a normal situation to run so often,” Mott said. “But the Triple Crown is not a normal situation.”

West also declared Maximum Security fine but will monitor him the next few days.

Charlie Riedel The Associated Press Luis Saez aboard Maximum Security is first to the finish line Saturday followed by Flavien Prat on Country House in the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby. Country House was ruled the winner after Maximum Security was disqualified following a review by race stewards.