The Saudi Jockey Club finally broke their silence following the recent indictment of Jason Servis for allegedly administering performance enhancing drugs to “virtually all horses under his care.” Officials of the Saudi Cup, won by Maximum Security just prior to the allegations being announced, had been strangely quiet following the arrest of Servis along with trainer Jorge Navarro and others. Coolmore who purchased the breeding rights to Maximum Security have yet to say anything publicly.
Saudi officials are withholding the purse pending their own investigation. This is what they said via Press Release:
“JCSA is aware that Mr. Jason Servis, trainer of the horse, Maximum Security, the first placed horse in The Saudi Cup, has been indicted in the United States of America on charges relating to the administration of prohibited substances to horses in training under his care and control.
“JCSA is conducting its own investigation in respect of the allegations and until that investigation is concluded, JCSA will withhold payment of prize money due to all connections of horses placed in prize-winning positions in The Saudi Cup, Race 8. This decision has been communicated privately to connections of Saudi Cup runners.
“Due to difficult operational circumstances caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic, the investigation has not yet concluded. JCSA will issue no further statement until such time as the investigation is completed to our satisfaction.”
It will be interesting to see what Saudi officials come up with. Now that what was allegedly used by Servis is public knowledge, it would be logical for Saudi officials to test any frozen samples.
