In a quick turn of events that was previously tried in 2019 before being thrown out, Kentucky Derby favorite Essential Quality is in danger of facing a ban at this year's race. However, the racehorse has nothing to do with the pending ban.

Sheikh Mohammed is the owner of Essential Quality and Mohammed has seen a wide array of successes in horse racing throughout the years except in the Kentucky Derby. This year was expected to be different as Mohammed's horse, Essential Quality, is a 2-1 favorite to win the race. That may be changing though.

According to an article by Sam Morgan of TheSun.ie, one particular group is trying to make sure Mohammed and his horse aren't allowed to run in the Kentucky Derby.

“…A group of human rights lawyers and students at the University of Louisville have filed a complaint with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

They have asked chiefs to ban Sheikh Mohammed – who is thought to be worth around £4billion – and his horse because of the 71-year-old's alleged human rights abuses against two of his daughters.

The same complaint was filed and thrown out in 2019.”

The article notes that this time around there may be more concrete evidence to get Mohammed's horse out of the Kentucky Derby.

“The complaint was dismissed two years ago because the commission ruled it was based on press reports, according to professor Sam Marcosson, one of those behind the complaint. But in March last year, the family division of the British High Court ruled Sheikh Mohammed ordered the kidnapping of two of his daughters.”

Marcosson made sure to note that the commission has suspended people and owners in the past for their actions and that this should be no different.

With the Kentucky Derby quickly approaching, it is yet to be seen what course of action, if any, will be taken against Essential Quality.