Gary West Questions Transparency of Kentucky Stewards

One day after seeing his Maximum Security become the first horse disqualified from victory in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) because of interference, owner Gary West expressed frustration that he has not been able to meet with the stewards.

Shortly after the stewards' controversial decision May 4 at Churchill Downs, West said he was considering an appeal, but he first wanted to hear their explanation.

He said Saturday night it was his understanding the first opportunity to do that would be Thursday, May 9, the next scheduled race day at Churchill Downs. On Sunday, he voiced his displeasure with the situation.

"The stewards have refused to allow anyone to see their video and talk to them, so I don't know what I am going to do," West said. "I can't believe their total lack of transparency on a matter of this magnitude."

Kentucky chief state steward Barbara Borden said Sunday evening the stewards would be willing to meet with West, or other license holders involved, when they sit down Thursday with jockeys involved in the incident. She also said the meeting could happen before Thursday.

Borden said she was not able to review the video with West or trainer Jason Servis because there were two races remaining on the card and, typically, reviews are not conducted on the same day stewards' decisions are made.

After the Derby card was complete, Borden offered a statement Saturday night providing detail on the disqualification of Gary and Mary West's Maximum Security from first place to 17th, explaining the stewards unanimously determined he had interfered with War of Will coming out of the far turn, causing chain-reaction interference with Long Range Toddy and Bodexpress.

The jockeys involved in the incident, Luis Saez (Maximum Security), Tyler Gaffalione (War of Will), Jon Court (Long Range Toddy), and Chris Landeros (Bodexpress) will review the video with the stewards Thursday May 9. Jockeys who are not in town for Thursday's meeting have the option to send a representative.

After the race, jockey objections were made by Flavien Prat—rider of Country House, who reached the wire second and was placed first—and Court. The stewards ruled Maximum Security did not interfere with Country House.

Earlier Sunday, the executive director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission supported the unanimous decision of the three stewards.

"It was the right call," said executive director Marc Guilfoil, who also is an accredited steward for Thoroughbred, Standardbred, and Quarter Horse racing. "It was the correct call. … I applaud them. They're the best of the best."

Bob Ehalt and Greg Hall contributed to this story.