The Atlantic

The Kentucky Derby Decision Might Avert Disaster

The stewards’ ruling disqualifying Maximum Security wasn’t a “nightmare scenario”—and it could well prevent one.
Source: Brian Spurlock / USA Today Sports via Reuters

The stewards at Churchill Downs were absolutely right to disqualify Maximum Security after the talented colt drifted out at the top of the stretch and nearly wiped out the entire field in the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby. In fact, what’s striking about the reaction to the ruling is that those closest to the sport have been the least surprised by it. There are plenty of things wrong about horse racing in America, but what happened Saturday at the Kentucky Derby isn’t one of them.

It looks like over the result, and There is no way the courts of Kentucky are going taken down Maximum Security, given what the colt did.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from The Atlantic

The Atlantic4 min read
Your Phone Has Nothing on AM Radio
This article was featured in the One Story to Read Today newsletter. Sign up for it here. There is little love lost between Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Rashida Tlaib. She has called him a “dumbass” for his opposition to the Paris Climate Agre
The Atlantic5 min read
The Strangest Job in the World
This is an edition of the Books Briefing, our editors’ weekly guide to the best in books. Sign up for it here. The role of first lady couldn’t be stranger. You attain the position almost by accident, simply by virtue of being married to the president
The Atlantic8 min readAmerican Government
The Most Consequential Recent First Lady
This article was featured in the One Story to Read Today newsletter. Sign up for it here. The most consequential first lady of modern times was Melania Trump. I know, I know. We are supposed to believe it was Hillary Clinton, with her unbaked cookies

Related Books & Audiobooks