Maximum Security (New Year's Day) has been disqualified from his victory in the inaugural $20-million Saudi Cup and Midnight Bisou (Midnight Lute) has been promoted to first, the stewards committee of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) announced on Friday.
The change in finishing order of the Feb. 29, 2020 race was the result of an inquiry into the charges brought by the JCSA against Maximum Security's trainer Jason Servis, who is currently serving a four-year prison sentence for doping horses under his care. The inquiry took place on May 22-23 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh. The charges issued against Servis were proved and sanctions were imposed by the stewards committee 1,616 days after the race was run.
“It's been such a long wait, now that it's here it is such a relief and so gratifying to officially be recognized as the winner,” said Jeff Bloom of Bloom Racing, which led the syndicate that owned the filly. “More than anything, I am so proud of our mare and her accomplishments. Now she put the final stamp on a career that was more than we ever expected. She had a Hall of Fame career.
“To take down the inaugural world's richest races against the best male handicap horses in the world, it's all special. I'm glad we have now crossed the finish line.”
Bloom added, “The people in Saudi Arabia have done a great job keeping us up to speed throughout this process. It was a long drawn out process but we were kept in the loop. I'm still in sort of in a dream state right now, but it's certainly a good one.”
In respect of Maximum Security and the race, it was ordered that the placings be altered to reflect Maximum Security's disqualification and the prize-money for the race be re-distributed accordingly. Bloom Racing, whose partners include Madaket Stables and Allen Racing, will now get $10 million for winning the race. Second-place was $3.5 million, so this is a $6.5 million payday for them.
Servis has been given a lifetime ban from racing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The revised 2020 Saudi Cup finishing order is now as follows: first: Midnight Bisou, second: Benbatl (GB), third: Mucho Gusto, fourth: Tacitus, fifth: Gold Dream (Jpn), sixth: Chrysoberyl (Jpn), seventh: Mjjack (Ire), eighth: Magic Wand (Ire), ninth: Gronkowski, 10th: McKinzie, 11th: Great Scot (GB), 12th: North America (GB), and 13th: Capezzano.
Jeff Bloom | Benoit
A JCSA spokesman said, “The JCSA is satisfied that, following a full disciplinary process, the charges affecting the outcome of the 2020 Saudi Cup have now been determined by the Stewards Committee following a proper investigation. The JCSA will abide by the decision of the Stewards Committee.
“The JCSA looks forward to continuing with preparations for the The Saudi Cup 2025 and the 2026 Asian Racing Conference with this matter concluded.
“We extend our congratulations to the connections of Midnight Bisou who is the only mare to win the Saudi Cup to date.”
The JCSA indicated they would not comment further on this matter. For the full written decision and sanction, please click here.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
