In the storied history of the Kentucky Derby, a race known for creating legends, few tales are as dramatic or improbable as The Story Of Rich Strike Horse. It’s a narrative that seems plucked from a Hollywood script—a last-minute entry, an unknown jockey, a veteran trainer, and odds so long they were almost laughable. This isn’t just a story about a horse race; it’s a testament to hope, perseverance, and the glorious uncertainty that makes sports magical. On May 7, 2022, a chestnut colt reminded the world that in a matter of two minutes, the impossible could become reality.
The journey of Rich Strike is one that resonates far beyond the racetrack, touching on themes familiar to anyone who has ever dared to dream. It shares the spirit of many classic underdog narratives, much like the unexpected triumphs found in other horse racing stories. His victory was a moment of pure, unadulterated shock and joy, capturing the hearts of millions who had never even watched a horse race before.
An Unlikely Contender from the Start
Rich Strike was foaled on April 25, 2019, bred by the historic Calumet Farm in Kentucky. His pedigree was respectable; his sire, Keen Ice, famously defeated the Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, and his dam, Gold Strike, was a Canadian champion. Yet, despite this lineage, Rich Strike’s early career gave no hint of the greatness to come. He was a late bloomer, often overlooked and underestimated.
His journey took a pivotal turn in September 2021. After a dismal performance in his debut, he was entered into a maiden claiming race at Churchill Downs. This is where trainer Eric Reed and owner Rick Dawson of RED TR-Racing made a decision that would alter the course of racing history. They claimed the colt for $30,000, seeing a flicker of potential that others had missed. Even then, the goal wasn’t the Kentucky Derby; it was simply to develop a solid, competitive racehorse. The story of finding hidden value in an overlooked horse has a timeless appeal, reminiscent of discovering a chunk of gold horse story where you least expect it.
Throughout the months leading up to the Derby, Rich Strike’s record was modest. He had only one win to his name—the very claiming race where Reed acquired him. He competed in several Derby prep races, managing a third-place finish in the Jeff Ruby Steaks, which earned him some qualifying points, but not enough to secure a spot in the main event. He was placed on the “also-eligible” list, meaning he would only get to run if another horse scratched.
The 30-Second Miracle
As the Kentucky Derby approached, the team had all but accepted their fate. They were the first alternate, the longshot waiting for a miracle that seemed increasingly unlikely. On the Friday morning before the race, the deadline for scratches was minutes away, and the field of 20 horses was set. Trainer Eric Reed had already started making plans to ship Rich Strike back home.
Then, the unbelievable happened. With less than a minute to spare before the 9 a.m. deadline, the trainer of Ethereal Road scratched his horse from the Derby. A spot opened up. Rick Dawson, the owner, received the call and had just seconds to decide. He didn’t hesitate. Rich Strike was in. This last-minute entry set the stage for one of the most astonishing upsets in sports history. The horse, who wasn’t even supposed to be there, was now set to run in the most famous race in the world from the far outside 20th post position.
The Race That Shocked the World
When the starting gates opened for the 148th Kentucky Derby, Rich Strike was an 80-1 longshot. Virtually no one gave him a chance. The focus was on the favorites, Epicenter and Zandon. As the race began, Rich Strike settled near the back of the pack, a position that seemed to confirm his status as an afterthought.
But jockey Sonny Leon, a relative unknown on the national stage, had a plan. He kept Rich Strike calm and saved ground along the rail, conserving precious energy. The early pace of the race was blistering, set by the frontrunners. This intense speed would prove to be a critical factor, as it caused the leaders to tire in the final stretch.
As the horses rounded the final turn, Leon and Rich Strike were still buried in traffic, with a wall of competitors in front of them. It was here that Leon made a series of daring and brilliant moves. He expertly weaved the colt through an impossibly narrow path, navigating through tiring horses with incredible precision.
“I had to wait for the stretch,” Sonny Leon would later recall. “I had the horse. I just had to find the hole. When I got in the clear, I knew he would go.”
In the final furlong, as the favorites battled for the lead, a chestnut blur emerged from the pack, charging up the rail with breathtaking speed. The track announcer, caught by surprise, only picked him up in the final moments. Rich Strike, the 80-1 underdog, surged past a stunned Epicenter and Zandon to win the Kentucky Derby by three-quarters of a length. The crowd at Churchill Downs fell into a collective state of disbelief, followed by a thunderous roar. It was the second-biggest upset in the Derby’s 148-year history.
The Team Behind the Champion
The victory was not just for the horse but for the small, dedicated team that believed in him.
Eric Reed: A Story of Redemption
Trainer Eric Reed had been in the racing business his whole life, a respected horseman who had never had a horse on the Derby stage. His career was marked by a devastating tragedy in 2016 when a fire swept through his barn, killing 23 of his horses. The Derby win was a moment of profound redemption and triumph over adversity. He never lost his passion for the sport, and his expert conditioning of Rich Strike was a major factor in the horse’s stamina.
Sonny Leon: The Unknown Rider
Jockey Sonny Leon primarily rode at smaller tracks in Ohio and was virtually unknown to the wider racing world. His ride in the Derby was a masterpiece of skill and bravery. He never panicked when trapped in traffic and showed incredible patience and confidence, guiding his longshot mount to a perfect trip. The victory catapulted him into the international spotlight overnight.
Rick Dawson: The Hopeful Owner
Rick Dawson, a semi-retired businessman from Oklahoma, was in the sport for the love of the animals. His $30,000 claim of Rich Strike turned into a $1.86 million payday from the Derby purse, but for him, the experience was priceless. His willingness to take a chance on a longshot embodies the spirit of hope that defines horse racing.
Life After the Derby and Retirement
Following the incredible high of the Kentucky Derby, the team made the controversial decision to skip the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, to give Rich Strike more time to recover. They aimed for the Belmont Stakes, where he finished a respectable but non-threatening sixth.
Rich Strike continued to race, but he never quite recaptured the magic of that first Saturday in May. After a series of nagging injuries kept him from returning to his top form, owner Rick Dawson made the difficult decision to retire him in November 2023. Though his racing career was relatively short, the story of Rich Strike horse was already cemented in legend. He was sold as a stallion prospect, beginning a new chapter where his heart and spirit could be passed on to a new generation. Such a dramatic career arc provides endless inspiration, almost like perfect horse story starters for future tales of triumph.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Story of Rich Strike Horse
What were Rich Strike’s odds of winning the Kentucky Derby?
Rich Strike won the 2022 Kentucky Derby at odds of 80-1, making him the second-biggest longshot to ever win the race, behind only Donerail in 1913, who won at 91-1 odds.
How did Rich Strike get into the Kentucky Derby?
Rich Strike was on the also-eligible list and only drew into the race the morning before the Derby when another horse, Ethereal Road, was scratched. The decision to enter him was made just seconds before the deadline.
Who was the trainer and jockey for Rich Strike?
The trainer was Eric Reed, a veteran horseman who had never had a Derby starter before. The jockey was Sonny Leon, a rider who was a dominant force at smaller tracks but was largely unknown on the national circuit.
How much did Rich Strike’s owners pay for him?
Owner Rick Dawson of RED TR-Racing claimed Rich Strike in a maiden claiming race in September 2021 for just $30,000.
Is Rich Strike still racing?
No, Rich Strike was officially retired from racing in November 2023 due to recurring injuries. He has since begun a new career as a stallion, with his first foals expected in the future.
The Enduring Legacy of an Underdog
The story of Rich Strike horse is more than just an account of an unexpected victory. It is a powerful reminder that greatness can emerge from the most unlikely of places. For his trainer, it was a comeback from unimaginable loss. For his jockey, it was the ride of a lifetime. For his owner, it was the ultimate reward for taking a chance.
In a sport often dominated by multi-million dollar pedigrees and powerful stables, Rich Strike’s win was a victory for the little guy. He proved that with heart, a perfect trip, and a little bit of luck, anything is possible. His story reinvigorated the sport, bringing a wave of positive attention and capturing the imagination of a global audience. It stands as a timeless narrative of hope, a true white horse story where the unheralded hero emerges to win it all, ensuring that for years to come, people will talk about the day an 80-1 longshot shocked the world.
