The Saudi Cup 2020 title awarded to Midnight Bisou after Maximum Security is disqualified

MEDIA NOTICE – The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia

01 August 2024 – Below is a media notice from The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) covering matters related to the inaugural Saudi Cup race, held at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Race 8, on Saturday February 29, 2020 (the Race).

Following an Inquiry into the conduct of trainer Jason Servis, the Stewards Committee of the JCSA have directed that Maximum Security (USA) is now disqualified from the Race.

The Inquiry into the Charges1 [JCSA v SERVIS Charges ] took place on 22 and 23 May 2024 at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia2. Mr Servis was put on notice of the Inquiry and invited to attend remotely by himself or by his legal representative but chose not to do so3.

The Stewards Committee determined that the charges issued against Jason Servis, the trainer of Maximum Security, were proved and imposed sanctions. 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 full revised result of the Race is set out below.

In respect of Jason Servis, he was given a lifetime ban from racing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The full written Decision and Sanction can be found here. [Decision & Sanction: https://www.jcsa.sa/globalassets/jcsa/images/media/20240731_Decision_and_Sanction-JCSA_v_Mr_Jason_Servis]

The result of the Race is declared to be as follows:

1st : Midnight Bisou

2nd : Benbatl

3rd : Mucho Gusto

4th : Tacitus

5th : Gold Dream

6th : Chrysoberyl

7th : Mjjack

8th : Magic Wand

9th : Gronkowski

10th: McKinzie

11th: Great Scot

12th: North America

13th: Capezzano.

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 will make no further comment in relation to this matter.

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1 The Charges can be found here. [JCSA v SERVIS Charges: https://www.jcsa.sa/globalassets/jcsa/images/media/20240731_20_01_2024_JCSA_v_SERVIS_CHARGES]

2 The Stewards Committee was comprised of: Mr Paul Barton (Chairman), Dr David Sykes, Mr Rion Hitchener and Mr Mukhlid Alotaibi.

3 The JCSA was represented at the Inquiry by Louis Weston and Danielle Sharkey of Charles Russell Speechlys LLP.

***ENDS***