And the official winner of the 2020 Saudi Cup is Midnight Bisou!
Maximum Security (r) and Midnight Bisou. Jockey Club pf Saudi Arabia Photo.
Maximum Security finally disqualified from the inaugural Saudi Cup win after more than four years
After more than four years, Maximum Security was disqualified by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) on Friday (Aug. 2) and runner-up Midnight Bisou was declared the winner of the $20 million race and awarded the $10 million first prize.
Maximum Security, trained by Jason Servis, finished first in inaugural Saudi Cup with Midnight Bisou three-quarters of a length back in second.
Two months later, the Saudi jockey club withheld the purse money pending an investigation of Servis after he was indicted.
Servis eventually pleaded guilty and sentenced last summer to four years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and administer adulterated or misbranded performance-enhancing drugs to racehorses.
Servis was among more than two dozen people indicted in March 2020 for violations involving multiple horses over a number of years.
The JCSA held an inquiry May 23-24 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh regarding the Saudi Cup run on Feb. 29, 2020. Servis was given the opportunity to attend remotely or have legal representation but declined.
“The Stewards Committee determined that the charges issued against Jason Servis, the trainer of Maximum Security, were proved and imposed sanctions,’’ read a statement issued by the JCSA. “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.”
The JCSA also imposed a lifetime ban on Servis racing in Saudi Arabia. At the time of the Saudi Cup, Maximum Security was owned by Gary and Mary West and now stands at Ashford Stud in Kentucky.
Midnight Bisou was trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen and owned by Jeffrey Bloom, Madaket Stables, and Allen Racing.
The official result moves each horse up one place. Following Midnight Bisou, Benbatl moves to second, followed by Mucho Gusto, Tacitus, Gold Dream, Chrysoberyl, Mijack, Magic Wand, Gronkowski, McKinzie, Great Scot, North America, and Capezzano.
A spokesman for the JCSA 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.
“We extend our congratulations to the connections of Midnight Bisou who is the only mare to win The Saudi Cup to date.”
Midnight Bisou’s resume changes significantly, with her record now at 22-14-5-3 and earnings of more than $13 million. Maximum Security, disqualified for interference after finishing first in the 2019 Kentucky Derby (G1), now has a record of nine wins from 14 starts and earnings of about $2.4 million.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
