Maximum Security was disqualified in the 2019 Kentucky Derby because he veered out from the inside rail around the far turn, impeding and interfering with several other horses, including War of Will, Long Range Toddy, and Bodexpress. This interference affected the progress of these horses and could have caused a major accident. Although Maximum Security crossed the finish line first, the race stewards conducted a 20-minute review, including objections from other riders, and unanimously decided to disqualify Maximum Security and place him 17th. The victory was then awarded to the second-place horse, Country House. This was the first time in the 145-year history of the Kentucky Derby that a horse was disqualified for an on-track infraction rather than a post-race drug violation. The disqualification was controversial and led to legal challenges and public debate about the decision's fairness and impact on the race's outcome.
