Maximum Security Moved from Trainer Jason Servis After Drug Scheme Indictment

Maximum Security has been moved from trainer Jason Servis to Bob Baffert after Servis was indicted and charged as part of an international drug scheme aimed at making horses run faster.

Gary West, the owner of Maximum Security, confirmed the move in a statement, per ESPN:

"Yesterday, Jason Servis, a trainer we have used for 5 years, was indicted on multiple charges regarding using an illegal substance in horses. This news is extremely disturbing and disappointing. Therefore we will be moving all our horses from Jason Servis as soon as arrangements can be made with other trainers. Maximum Security will be sent to Bob Baffert."

Servis was charged Tuesday with "administering performance-enhancing drugs" to Maximum Security, the disqualified winner of the 2019 Kentucky Derby, and other horses.

The indictment states Servis gave Maximum Security a drug called SGF-1000. He is also alleged to have given performance-enhancing substances to all the race horses under his control and conspired with a vet to cover up the doping, per ESPN.

The charges relate to races held across the globe, including those in the United Arab Emirates, Kentucky, New York, New Jersey and Florida, per the Guardian.

Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press noted the improvement in results for Servis over the last five years:

Maximum Security is one of the most high-profile horse races in the world and hit the headlines in 2019 after being disqualified from the Kentucky Derby for interference:

Servis then trained Maximum Security to victory in the $20 million Saudi Cup in February, considered the most valuable horse race in the world:

"

We are delighted to bring you from @WHR the incredible story of Maximum Security. From the Kentucky Derby, to making history here at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in The Saudi Cup. #SaudiCup@luissaezpty @coolmoreamerica pic.twitter.com/ZmbnNvnyty

— The Saudi Cup (@thesaudicup) March 8, 2020"

Maximum Security has also tasted victory in a host of other top races in 2019, including the Haskell Invitational, the Florida Derby, the Bold Ruler Handicap and the Cigar Mile.

The performance-enhancing drugs allegedly used on Maximum Security and other horses can reduce their pain sensitivity, which can cause leg fractures. The substances can also lead to overexertion, which can potentially cause heart problems or death, per ESPN.