Report: Maximum Security to stand at Coolmore's Ashford Stud
Maximum Security's rollercoaster 2019 season ended on a high note of the likes rarely, if ever, happens for horses who debut with a $16,000 claiming tag.
In a message to the Daily Racing Form, Gary West, who campaigns the colt with his wife, Mary, said Coolmore has purchased a half interest to race and then breed Maximum Security. Per the report, plans call for the son of New Year's Day to run through at least his 4-year-old season before retiring to Ashford Stud in Versailles, Ky.
“There will be no other announcements until Maximum Security is retired," West told DRF.
Ashford Stud is also home to, among other stallions, the Triple Crown winners American Pharoah and Justify.
Maximum Security can still add to a resume that's seen him cross the wire first in all but one of his nine starts. The Jason Servis trainee, who's targeting the inaugural $20 million Saudi Cup next on Feb. 29, counts among his victories the Florida Derby (G1), Haskell Invitational (G1) and Cigar Mile (G1).
That might be enough to win Maximum Security an Eclipse Award as Champion Three-Year-Old Male, with finalists announced Saturday. Of course, the Kentucky Derby is the one that got away; but it's a subjective human vote that determines the outcome, and his performance on the first Saturday in May could still resonate with voters.
Multiple Grade 1 winners Code of Honor and Omaha Beach figure to vie for the championship as well.
During his career, which began with one race in the claiming ranks, Maximum Security also survived a bout of colic that prevented him from running in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1). Away from the track, the Wests continue to battle legally in hopes of having a stewards decision to disqualify him from a Kentucky Derby win overturned. It was the first DQ in race history for interference.
In a show of support for what appeared, at best, a modest pedigree, Maximum Security's dam sold at the Keeneland November for $1.85 million to Summer Wind Farm's Jane Lyon.