Jason Servis The world of thoroughbred horse racing is no stranger to controversy. There have been incidents of race fixing and other violations. Perhaps the most serious issue that currently troubles horse racing is the use of illegal medications. Jason Servis rose to fame by training Maximum Security. His fame did not last long. Servis was ultimately indicted for using prohibited substances and arrested. Here’s a look at his story.

Jason Servis Struggles to Become a Winning Horse Trainer

Many horse trainers of thoroughbred race horses will tell you that it can take years to reach the highest levels of the sport. Such was the case for Jason Servis. The brother of John Servis, the trainer of Smarty Jones, Jason immediately discovered that training winners at the race track is far from easy.

Still, Servis did not do bad for a new trainer. He was able to reach seven-figure earnings from his horses in 2004, just three years after taking out his license. Not many trainers can say that. With the early success came better horses from better owners. That led to more wins. By the time 2013 had rolled around, Jason Servis had earned a personal best of $3.4 million in purse earnings for the year.

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He won his first graded stakes race in 2008 with American Border. The accomplishment only added to the respect Servis’ stable was starting to get, but there were also whispers on the backstretch. Some claimed that Servis was giving his horses additional help in the form of illegal medications. Servis was quick to deny the charges when he was questioned by industry officials or the press.

Then, Servis was given the opportunity of a lifetime. He blew it.

Maximum Security Comes to the Jason Servis Barn

Gary and Mary West took a chance on Servis and decided to send him their colt, Maximum Security. The breeding on the colt looked promising. After a win in the Florida Derby, Maximum Security seemed to be firmly placed on the Kentucky Derby trail.

When Jason Servis and his entourage arrived in Kentucky with Maximum Security, the whispers started again. There were those who weren’t convinced that the colt was as talented as he seemed. They were further doubtful that a trainer that had primarily made his living working on the small circuits could condition a horse for the Kentucky Derby.

The federal authorities had Servis on their radar and were starting to put the pieces together. While investigations were underway, Maximum Security soared to a win in the Kentucky Derby only to be disqualified for interference. Maximum Security and Jason Servis became the first horse and trainer to win and lose the Kentucky Derby on the same day.

Servis and the Wests decided not to run Maximum Security in the Preakness or Belmont Stakes. They had other stakes races in mind. One of these was the inaugural running of the Saudi Cup in early 2020. It was billed as the richest horse race in the world with a purse of $20 million. Maximum Security won the race, but the celebration came to a screeching halt in March 2020 when Jason Servis was indicted on federal charges.

Jason Servis Gets Arrested

Servis was named among other in 27 indictments handed down in New York for the use of PEDs and other banned substances in horse racing. The men indicted were arrested and subsequently posted bail. Gary and Mary West were prompt to act, removing Maximum Security from the barn of Jason Servis. The horse was sent to the barn of Bob Baffert.

As of March 2021, the case of Jason Servis was still pending before the courts. Others charged in the scandal have been sentenced, with one individual receiving one year in federal prison. Regardless, the career of Servis has likely been damaged beyond repair.

The Problem of Drugging in Horse Racing

It would be unfair to say that Jason Servis is alone when it comes to breaking the rules in horse racing. The issue of illegal medications has long been a thorn in the side of the sport. Servis found himself in the unfortunate position of being caught.

Maximum Security was among the horses alleged to have been doped. Anyone can see how this can pose a problem. If this was the case, did the illegal medicines help the horse win the Saudi Cup? That would be grounds for other trainers to claim foul and strip the horse of the honor, and of the purse earnings.

What about the bettors who wagered other horses in the Saudi Cup? Should they be refunded their losing wagers. You can soon understand that illegal medications open up an entire world of problems for horse racing.

The racing world will soon find out what will happen to Jason Servis. In the meantime, Maximum Security is still being trained to compete by Bob Baffert. Their stories continue.

JASON SERVIS UPDATE – 4th Aug 2022

At EZ Horse Betting we believe it is our responsibility to be accurate and fair in the news we report. This update on horse racing trainer Jason Servis is provided in an effort to give our readers the most current information.

No article in the history of our website has generated such passionate feedback from readers. Clearly, there are people on both sides of the issue. EZ Horse Betting stands by the points made in the original article, but we also realize that the article may have been somewhat unfair to Jason Servis as the legal proceedings continue.

To be clear, Jason Servis is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law according to the laws of the United States. Mr. Servis has remained steadfast in his denial of wrongdoing. The allegations against Jason Servis are just that…allegations…until a judge decides otherwise.

Jason Servis Horse Racing Trial Postponed Until Early 2023

According to the Bloodhorse,  the federal trial of horse racing trainer Jason Servis has been postponed until at least early 2023. The charges against Servis stem from incidents involving the use of illegal medications. Servis was named along with more than 24 other horse racing trainers in a probe by the federal government.

The original allegations against Jason Servis led to the trainer’s arrest following an indictment in march 2020. At the time, Servis was the trainer of Maximum Security. The owners of Maximum Security subsequently chose to move the horse to the care of another trainer.

EZ Horse Betting is closely monitoring the proceedings against Jason Servis and will provide further updates as necessary.

 

JASON SERVIS UPDATE – 1st January 2023
HORSE TRAINER JASON SERVIS PLEADS GUILTY

Readers of EZ Horse Betting know that we have been following the criminal proceedings against thoroughbred horse trainer Jason Servis. In the most recent development, Jason Servis has plead guilty to a federal case involving the doping of multiple horses. Servis now faces sentencing for his crimes on May 18, 2023.

The Case Against Jason Servis

The guilty plea of Jason Servis thoroughbred trainer comes after months of legal wrangling by the federal government and Servis’ attorneys. Servis was originally indicted in 2020 along with 26 other people in the thoroughbred horse racing industry. The charges included what was referred to as a “widespread, corrupt scheme” to dope horses in an attempt to improve racing performance.

Certain medications are banned in the sport of horse racing. These medications include performance-enhancing substances as well as medications that are meant to allow horses to run through injury or pain. Investigators alleged that Servis doped almost all of the horses in his care, including Maximum Security. Maximum Security was disqualified from a first place finish in the Kentucky Derby and also won the inaugural running of the Saudi Cup.

Some individuals stood beside Servis as the evidence began to mount against him. That evidence ultimately became so overwhelming that Servis no longer had any choice but to plead guilty to the charges against him.

US Attorney Has Strong Words for Jason Servis

In an interview following the guilty plea, US Attorney Damian Williams did not mince words when it came to the result. Williams referred to Servis as someone that represented corruption at the highest levels of the racing industry.

Marty Irby, the executive director of Animal Wellness Action, called Servis a “kingpin of organized crime and abuse.” The general consensus of those within and without the horse racing industry is that Jason Servis abused the animals in his care by administering illegal drugs. This has not endeared him to activist who claim such abuse is rampant in horse racing.

Organizations such as PETA and other animal welfare agencies have long claimed that many trainers in the industry are engaged in doping. Each year there are instances of horses failing drug tests. Even the Triple Crown winning trainer Bob Baffert has not escaped the shadow of illegal doping. Multiple horses in Baffert’s care have tested positive for drugs.

Saudis May Strip Maximum Security of Saudi Cup

Maximum Security won the Saudi Cup in 2020. It was the richest prize in horse racing at the time. Just a few days after the race was completed, Jason Servis was indicted for illegal doping. There are reports that the Saudis are now conducting their own investigation to determine if Maximum Security should be disqualified from the Saudi Cup win.

It would be difficult to recoup the money that was paid to the connections of Maximum Security. However, the record of the race itself could be amended to show that the horse illegally won the race.

What the Guilty Plea of Jason Servis means for Horse Racing

Many people have been following this story now for some time. This includes some rather passionate supporters of Servis who have commented on our previous posts. The guilty plea of Jason Servis now leaves no room for debate. He is guilty of the crimes of which he was accused by his own admission.

No one can predict the sentence that Servis will receive in May 2023 for his crimes. At 65 years old, it is possible that Servis may be seeing his last days as a free man. Federal guidelines mandate that Jason Servis will serve the majority of his sentence, which could be many years due to the number of horses Servis is believed to have doped.

Horse racing will surely be impacted by the guilty plea and the sentencing of Jason Servis. The best outcome would be that other trainers see the potential of harm in giving horses illegal medications.

16 comments on “Jason Servis – Horse Trainer

  • trent jones

    Race horse horse Trainer Jason Servis is a Good man he has a Heart of Gold not matter what is said about him people MUST 100% KNOW that Jason Servis is a good man and does Not Deserve what has and is happening to him people Must Understand that Horse racing Industry all over the world is a Very very Brutal industry to be in and a Good Honest Person as Jason Servis Needs to be Respected and people horse racing only do the very very best they can with what horses they have.
    as I have spent 22 years in this industry and I can tell you that every trainer can only train the horses they have and that is what Jason Servis did is his 100% honest Best to make a living out of a Brutal Industry and People need to understand that and have so much more Respect for Jason Servis than what they do as he as don absolutely Don Nothing to hurt the horses or people as he is a good Hones man and people Must Understand and Respect him more then what they do . as people should try to be in horse racing as many would get a rude shock and would last 5 second in horse racing if they where lucky
    Jason Serivs will all ways be a good man and pole must see that and show 100% Respect to wards him then they do .

    Reply
    • admin

      Thank you for your comments on the ongoing proceedings against thoroughbred horse trainer, Jason Servis. We respect your opinion on Mr. Servis. As you know, this case is still playing out in the courts. As an established horse racing website, EZ Horse Betting is expected to provide news and analysis of the sport. We stand by our reporting on the accusations against Jason Servis, but stand ready to make any corrections required once the matter has been resolved. We also must provide our opinion from time to time, and in this case we have given a mild rebuke to all trainers who illegally use medication on race day. It should be noted that in recent developments the attorneys for Mr. Servis have sought to have information collected from wiretaps disallowed from evidence. Our team is closely watching the outcome of the trial, and we want to thank you for being a reader.

      Reply
    • Jon Croft

      Jason Servis belongs in prison for not only betraying one of the best owners of a racing stable, Garry and Mary West but for betraying everyone who has trained a winner or winners without even ever considering using PED. Jason has stained the industry in the worst possible way. I worked for two leading, national stables that gained the number one spot in earnings. NO DRUGS involved. I am so disgusted, glad I left the business years ago and could care less about the KY Derby or any race. The last horse I sold as a racing prospect is in great hands, the trainer being a young lady who loves her charges. Too bad the Wests hooked up with Jason Servis. Giving their horses to Baffert, the break down artist, however…what were they thinking?

      Reply
    • Tim pspe

      He used over top drugs on his horses .which took the food right out of honest horsemen’s mouth.some horsemen live and die by their daily purses this man stole from them. He cheated from the start stealing money from honest hard working horsemen.he’s not a horseman he’s s horse destroyer. You don’t understand he cheated his whole career doping horses taking food out of the honest trainers and owners. He’s a cheating horse doper .

      Reply
      • zola bud

        If you play the horses and can read a racing form then you know that there are trainers on every circuit who are hitting at 25% or more. These are all likely “horse dopers.” They didn’t go after these people because there were likely zero handicappers among the FBI ranks. Inept police work overall.

        Reply
    • Tim papw

      He stole money from fellow trainers and owners he is a bum .

      Reply
  • trent Jones

    it is about time you left Mr Jason Servis alone he is a good and kind gental man and does not desurv they way you Ideiots treat him

    Reply
    • phil ruggiero jr

      you are a nut he servis should get the max time behind bars . greed thats what he is all about

      Reply
    • Gregory Thatch

      Mr Jones, let’s start with your English skills. Did you finish the fifth grade? You spelling tells me that your not playing with a full deck of cards ! Now, the audacity of you to take sides with a man who gave drugs to horses for personal gain. I have a good idea, let’s inject you with steroids. Then will make you run a mile, while being whipped the whole time. Do us all a big favor. SHUT YOUR MOUTH! YOU ARE A HEARTLESS PERSON. AND WHATS SAD IS, YOU HAVE NO CLUE HOW DUMB YOU ARE. LEARN HOW TO SPELL
      SINCERELY, DR. GREGORY L THATCH

      Reply
  • steve Vicera

    Dear Mr. Jones;
    On 6/27/2022 do you still hold the same opinion of Jason Servis. People may have good intentions but some are owned by pure greed. Thats all it is. Money is their God and they got what they deserve. Wire taps, Guilty pleas, federal investigations. His partner in crime Jorge Navarro on the phone with Servis talking about the stuff they shoot these horses with. If thats not Animal Cruelty, these horses have no choice about doping, and they die because of it. And shame on you Mr. Jones. Your almost as guitly as Navarro and Servis.

    Reply
  • Trent s Jones

    Yes I do and I all ways will hold the Same opion of Jason Servis you have no Understanding of how tough horse racing really is and if you did you would not be horoball as you are to Jason Servis and understand that he has Not been found Guilty it is only you journalists who don’t know what you are talking about who are making him guilty when he has not and write whatever you want just to sell Magazines even been tried as yet if I was as Gulty as they are I would not have any Understanding of racing as I do .
    you should be ashamed of yourself because you have no Understanding of how tough horse racing is so it is you who should be ashamed of them self’s and No else’s so it is not me is guilty as they are it is you lot for having No Understanding how tough it is to make a living in the world of Horses racing when I have the last 23 years in the Industry and have more understanding of what Jason Servis went through more then you ever will and still respect him and know he is a good .

    Reply
    • Gregory Thatch

      Excuse me,… Mr Jones, you are one of the dumbest people I’ve never met. Thank God for that. Meeting you would be a discrace to my well being. And I would flatten you out with one punch in the nose. The words, stupid and dumb are not enough to describe you. Imbecile, that’s more like it. You should have finished the 3rd grade, Mr Jones.

      Reply
  • Trent s Jones

    get your Facts right Jason’s services will be 4 Possibly but Not Life y in prison Not Life as you Idiots Predicted even though he will be in the will 69 when he gets out but so he will NOT see his last days in Prison. so think to be for you right and GTE YOUT FACTS RIGHT YOUR facts are NOT all way right because you have the license to write what you want even if it is not right .

    Reply
    • admin

      We appreciate your thoughts on this development. We have also given you a forum to express those thoughts. At this time we stand by our reporting and opinions on Jason Servis. Yes, it remains for the courts to sentence Mr. Servis. When that happens we will update our article. Until then, we encourage our readers to keep betting horses online with our favorite online horse betting sites.

      Reply
  • Jason Cooke

    All I have to say is for all of you commenting with improper English you must be in the horse world cause y’all idiots. I am no journalist, just a horse racing fan and was a huge fan of maximum security and I still love that horse even with the connections being as crooked as can be.

    Reply
  • Mckenzie

    The issue is right now. Yeah, she took Navarro and Service away and all the other officials and vets, but there are so many other high-ranking trainers.(Brad Cox) all these other trainers think they’re safe because this has finalized in court, but many others need to go to jail. These other trainers, if you’re in the exact same thing that Navarro and Service did they need to pay also.

    Reply

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