Maximum Security’s victory over Midnight Bisou led a one-two finish in Saturday’s $20 million Saudi Cup, the world’s richest race at King Abdulaziz racetrack.

It was a banner day all around for horses from the Bluegrass State, with New York Central winning the $1.5 million Saudi Sprint and Full Flat scoring in the $800,000 Saudi Derby Cup.

Maximum Security proved once again he up to every task he faces. With Mucho Gusto rushing out for the lead, Maximum Security was kept in the three-path as he pressed the pace through six furlongs. He challenged Mucho Gusto for the lead entering the stretch, and with the pacesetter drifting out, Luis Saez took Maximum Security to the inside and he surged past Mucho Gusto, then held off a very game Midnight Bisou to win by three-quarters of a length.

Maximum Security is now owned by his breeder Gary and Mary West and Coolmore, who recently purchased a half-interest in the 4-year-old son of Street Cry (IRE). Last year’s champion 3-year-old, Maximum Security has now earned $11,801,900 and has crossed the finish line first in nine of his 10 starts. His dam Lil Indy is a half-sister to multiple Grade 1 winner Flat Out.

New York Central won the six-furlong Sprint in dramatic fashion, making up some six lengths in the final sixteenth of a mile to best Matera Sky by a length. Far back early on, the 5-year-old son of Tapit began to advance entering the stretch and was full of run to the wire to snatch the victory.

Saturday’s victory made him racing’s newest millionaire, with $1,235,310 in earnings. He won the 2019 Maryland Sprint S. (G3) for his first added-money win. New York Central was bred by SF Bloodstock and is out of the top-class mare Fashion Cat, who is also the dam of Saratoga Special (G2) winner Corfu and half-sister to multiple Grade 1 winner Peace Rules.

Full Flat was dominant in the Saudi Derby, winning the one-mile contest by 2 1/4-lengths for his first stakes victory. Based in Japan, he was fifth in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1). He sold to his owner Tsuyoshi Ono for $250,000 at the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling sale. Bred by Sierra Farm , the son of top-10 sire Speightstown is out of Golden Flair, who is a half-sister to champion Stravinsky and stakes winner Moscow Ballet.

Maximum Security – Saudi Cup