The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia Takes Steps to Disqualify Maximum Security

Nearly four years after Maximum Security (New Year's Day) crossed the wire first in the inaugural Saudi Cup and six months after his trainer Jason Servis was given a four-year prison sentence for doping horses under his care, the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) announced Tuesday that it has concluded its own investigation into the matter and will recommend to a Stewards Committee that it should sanction Servis and disqualify Maximum Security.

The final decision will be made by the Stewards Committee, but in the press release it issued Tuesday the JCSA made a strong case that Maximum Security should be disqualified and Servis should be sanctioned. At stake is the $10 million that is paid out to the winner of the $20-million race. Should Maximum Security be disqualified, Midnight Bisou (Midnight Lute) would presumably be declared the winner.

Maximum Security did not test positive for a prohibited substance before or after the Saudi Cup, but Servis was caught on wiretapped phone calls bragging that he gave the banned substance SGF-1000 to nearly every horse in his barn. Racing officials from JCSA have maintained that it is within their power to strip Maximum Security of the win if it was proven that Servis had been illegally drugging Maximum Security in the months surrounding the race.

The statement from the JCSA read, in part: “Following the conclusion of that investigation and pursuant to the Racing Rules of the JCSA (Rules) [2] and the Horseman's Guide (Guide) [3], 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.”

The statement said that the inquiry to be held by the Stewards Committee will take place “in due course.”

The inquiry will be held in private and members of the media will not be permitted to attend. The decision of the Stewards Committee will be published at the conclusion of the inquiry. Until the Stewards Committee has made its final decision, the JCSA will issue no further statements.

At deadline for this story, Jeff Bloom, who heads the syndicate that campaigned Midnight Bisou, was unavailable for comment.

Gary West, who owned Maximum Security with his wife Mary, also could not be reached for comment. However, in December, 2022, West issued a statement saying he would be supportive of a decision to disqualify Maximum Security and redistribute the purse money.

“We believe in the justice system and have patiently waited for the legal prosecution to take its course,” West said. “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. 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.”

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What Was Your Favorite Moment Of 2023: Cody’s Wish

As 2023 draws to a close, the TDN is asking industry members to name their favorite moment of the year. Send yours to suefinley@thetdn.com

“Cody's Wish was definitely one of my racing highlights of 2023.”
–Susan Anderson, Trainer

“There was no shortage of amazing horse racing memories in 2023. But one story that transcends racing is the incredible journey Cody's Wish and Cody Dorman (and his family) took us on. Beyond inspiring and heartwarming, it showed us in vivid color the genuine beauty of the magical connection between horses and humans. The Breeders Cup victory of Cody's Wish and celebration of Cody and his family is truly the feel good moment of the year.”
–Jeff Bloom, Bloom Racing Stable and TAA President

“There are several moments and races to choose from, but if I had to pick one, it would be the story of Cody's Wish and Cody Dorman, which was already incredible leading to the 2023 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. The excitement and anticipation was huge and the way the race unfolded all the way to the end was absolutely breathtaking!”
–Ramon Dominguez, retired Hall of Fame jockey

Cody Dorman with Cody's Wish | Kelly Dorman

“Cody's Wish showed his resolve and determination to win the 2023 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile by a narrow margin and to remember his namesake, Cody, who brought us all together this year to root him on.”
–John Dooley, track announcer

“My favorite moment was Cody's Wish giving everything he had to win one last time for his namesake, Cody Dorman. Cody is a special, gifted horse who understood and fulfilled his mission, one that transcends racing.”
–Deirdre Duke, racing fan

“Cody's Wish and the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. With a lot of talk throughout the year about what is wrong with the sport, the last eighth of a mile was a reminder of what makes horse racing so uniquely special.”
–Amy Zimmerman, Executive Producer, Santa Anita Park

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TAA On-Site At The Spa Whitney Weekened

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, on-site in Saratoga for a variety of events in August, highlighted by the Aug. 5 GI Whitney S., will be available at NYRA's Community Outreach Booth to share information on accredited aftercare. Branded merchandise will be available in exchange for a donation, including a limited-edition Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance “Saratoga” t-shirt sponsored by Repole Stable featuring a unique design by artist and supporter Ellen Skidmore.

The TAA will remain on-site through the Aug. 7-8 Fasig-Tipton yearling sales. For more information, visit www.nyra.com/saratoga/visit/community-booth.

“With so many events and industry participants in town for the Saratoga meet, it is a fantastic opportunity for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to be on-site and connect with supporters, partners, and some of our local accredited organizations,” said Jeffrey Bloom, TAA President. “We look forward to continuing to share the mission of accredited aftercare with racing fans and we value all of our partnerships and supporters that give us the platform to do so during this premiere meet.”

The TAA will have two named races on consecutive days to highlight accredited aftercare–Saturday, Aug. 5 and Sunday, Aug. 6. Following the running of each race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a branded blanket and swag bag.

In addition, TAA will be honored with a donation of $25,000 from James and Shari Ough. The check presentation will be made during the running of the named race Aug. 5.

TAA will also facilitate guests on Whitney day from one of the VIP experiences auctioned off earlier this year in the “Off to the Races” campaign, promoting aftercare awareness. Winners from the VIP experience will enjoy a special track tour, a tour of the Saratoga Racing Museum and Hall of Fame, and a day of racing with paddock passes and winner's circle access during the TAA race. The experience was donated by NYRA and the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

For more information about the TAA, click here.

 

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TAA Reports Successful Preakness

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) had a successful week in Maryland during Preakness celebrations with several on-site events, the organization said in a release Wednesday.

With over 160 in attendance, the America's Best Racing Pre-Preakness Party to benefit the TAA kicked off the week at Mt. Washington Tavern. A total of $25,000 was raised from a silent auction, ticket sales and donations.

“It was an absolute honor to once again partner with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance on what has turned into a must-attend event on the racing calendar every year,” said Dan Tordjman, Manager, Business Development/Sponsorships, America's Best Racing. “We want to thank everyone who supported Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance at the party and via the online auction. We look forward to seeing this event grow next year and beyond.”

On Saturday, May 20, the TAA presented the Sir Barton S. sponsored by Brandon and Diannah Perry to Benefit the TAA. The Perrys entered into an agreement to annually donate $100,000 to the TAA as the title sponsor for three consecutive years.

“Diannah and I are privileged to be able to advance the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance's mission, with our sponsorship of the Sir Barton S.,” said Brandon and Diannah Perry, Paragon Farms. “We are honored to be able to champion the rehabilitation, retraining, and rehoming of these amazing Thoroughbreds that give all of us so much joy. To see the horses that give everything to their owners, trainers, grooms, and fans be able to enjoy life after the race track is truly rewarding.”

On both Black-Eyed Susan and Preakness Day, the TAA hosted the Best Turned Out Awards in the Pimlico winner's circle for each race sponsored by Beyond the Wire and Fidelity First.

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