Reports: Maximum Security camp seeks Kentucky Derby appeal

Gary West, who campaigns Maximum Security with his wife, Mary, said after Saturday’s Kentucky Derby that he will attempt to overturn the disqualification of their colt from a victory at Churchill Downs.

On Sunday, West further explained to the Daily Racing Form he would like to appeal — though that does not appear an option given Kentucky rulings "shall be final" — and beyond that will consider taking the issue to federal court.

West, per DRF's David Grening, requested a meeting with stewards after the Derby.

“I want to see the video, I want to understand the facts, I want time to think about it,” he said. “Had they been cooperative yesterday, it might not have been an issue today, but they weren’t.”

Kentucky’s chief steward, Barbara Borden, told media after the race that the DQ was unanimous, with Butch Becraft and Tyler Picklesimer the other decision makers. While stewards did not post their own inquiry, they responded to objections by Flavien Prat, rider of the eventual winner Country House, and Jon Court, who was aboard Long Range Toddy.

Maximum Security, who drifted out near the quarter pole when not completely clear, was dropped to 17th, just behind Long Range Toddy, who took the brunt of his move.

“Our stewards have extensive experience, both on horseback and in the steward’ stand. They made the absolute right decision.”

Dancer’s Image, first across the wire in the 1968 Kentucky Derby, is the only previous winner to be disqualified after failing a post-race test. Maximum Security then became the only colt disqualified from a Derby victory due to actions on the racetrack.

Attempts by others to reach West for comment have been unsuccessful. He is expected to further explain the issue in an interview to air Monday on NBC’s Today Show, which airs beginning at 7 a.m. ET.