The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission "didn't take long to deny the appeal of Maximum Security's disqualification" from the Kentucky Derby. Hours after the appeal was filed on behalf of horse owners Gary and Mary West, the commission wrote that the "stewards' decision is not subject to appeal." The commission's letter also "denied a request to stay the disqualification ruling pending appeal" (AP, 5/6).
The race's bizarre finish was a hot topic for the late-night talk shows. CBS’ Stephen Colbert: "All of a sudden horse racing has rules? This is a sport where we strap tiny men to horses to whip them for a mile-and-a-quarter and if there's an injury, the first aid kit is a shotgun!” (“The Late Show,” CBS, 5/6). ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel: “Not since ‘La La Land’ won Best Picture at the Oscars has there been a more dramatic award presentation to the wrong winner" (“Jimmy Kimmel Live,” ABC, 5/6). NBC’s Jimmy Fallon: “Even the President complained, which is surprising since interference in a race is what got him elected” (“The Tonight Show,” NBC, 5/6). Comedy Central’s Trevor Noah: "Twenty-two minutes is a long time to think you've won a lot of money. You know there was some dude at the bar who was, like, ‘Yeah! Drinks on me! I'm buying a Ferrari! Carol, it's me! Let's get married, baby! What? Disqualified? I think you got the wrong number. Bye!” (“The Daily Show,” Comedy Central, 5/6).
