Coolmore acquires 50 per cent interest in top US performer Maximum Security

Maximum Security, the widely anticipated champion three-year-old male of 2019, will have expanded ownership when he races as a four-year-old this year.

Coolmore has purchased 50 per cent interest in the racing and eventual breeding rights in the New Year's Day colt, according to Gary West, who co-bred and co-raced him in partnership with his wife, Mary, in 2018-19.

Coolmore stands a number of prominent young stallions at Ashford Stud near Versailles, Kentucky, including Triple Crown winners American Pharoah and Justify.

"Coolmore and I have the same philosophy about horses. We let the horses do the talking," West said in confirming the sale.

Representatives from Coolmore did not release an announcement regarding the acquisition.

West said there is "no specific expiration date" for Maximum Security's racing career, though the colt will begin life as a stallion in 2021. Jason Servis will continue to train the three-time Grade 1 winner.

According to West, decisions on Maximum Security's racing career will be made jointly with Coolmore.

"It will be a collaborative effort. All of the decision-making will be joint decisions. I don't anticipate any disagreements whatsoever," West said. "I will welcome their input. Coolmore has some of the smartest people in the business, and I say that with all due respect. They are at the top of the game."

West added that he and Coolmore are in agreement about Maximum Security's next start, which will come in the Saudi Cup on February 29.

"We're all in favour of the Saudi Cup," West said.

He also said the March 28 Dubai World Cup at Meydan could follow once Servis monitors Maximum Security's condition after the Saudi Cup.

"The Dubai World Cup is an option, but that is completely Jason Servis' decision. Coolmore and I have agreed on that," West said. "We'll be in that part of the world, and we'll see how he comes out of the Saudi Cup."

A winner of seven of nine races and more than $1.8 million, Maximum Security had three Grade 1 victories last year: the Florida Derby, Haskell Invitational Stakes and the Cigar Mile Handicap. First across the wire in the Kentucky Derby, he was disqualified by stewards and placed 17th for interference late on the second turn.

His only other defeat came when he ran second in the Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth Park on June 16, when he stumbled at the start.

A former $16,000 claimer, Maximum Security is out of the Anasheed mare Lil Indy, who produced a full sister to Maximum Security on March 28 and was bred to Quality Road for 2020. Lil Indy sold to Summer Wind Equine last year for $1.85 million at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale.

The Wests also raced New Year's Day, upset winner of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile in 2013 during a three-race career with Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert.

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