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A day after seeing his Maximum security Becoming the first horse disqualified from the Kentucky Derby win Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) for interference, owner Gary West expressed his frustration at not being able to meet the stewards.
Shortly after the controversial stewards' decision on May 4th at Churchill DownsWest said he was considering appealing, but he wanted to hear their explanations first.
He said on Saturday night that, according to him, the first opportunity to do so would be Thursday, May 9, the next race day scheduled for Churchill Downs. On Sunday, he expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation.
"The stewards have refused to allow anyone to watch their video and talk to them, so I do not know what I'm going to do," said West. "I can not believe their total lack of transparency on an issue of this magnitude."
Kentucky Chief Steward Barbara Borden said on Sunday night that officials would be willing to meet with Western representatives, and possibly other concerned license holders, when they sit down Thursday with jockeys involved in the incident. She also said the meeting could take place before Thursday.
Borden said she was not able to watch the video with West or coach Jason Servis because there were two races left on the map and, in general, revisions were not made the same day Stewards are taken.
After the derby is over, Borden made a statement Saturday night providing details of Gary and Mary West's maximum safety disqualification from first to 17th, saying the stewards were unanimously determined Will war coming out of the far turn, causing a chain reaction interference with Long-range Toddy and Bodexpress.
The jockeys involved in the incident were Luis Saez (maximum security), Tyler Gaffalione (Will War), Jon Court (Long Range Toddy) and Chris Landeros (Bodexpress). Jockeys who are not in town for the Thursday meeting have the opportunity to send a representative.
After the race, jockey objections were made by Flavien Prat, runner of Villa, who reached the lead second and was placed first – and Court. Commissioners felt that 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 choice," said Executive Director Marc Guilfoil, who is also an accredited Steward for the Thoroughbred, Standardbred and Quarter Horse races. "It was the right call … I applaud them, they are the best of the best."
Bob Ehalt and Greg Hall contributed to this story.
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