The triumphant victory at the 148th Kentucky Derby, with jockey Sonny Leon guiding Rich Strike to an astonishing win, marked a career-defining moment for trainer Eric R. Reed. The emotion of the win, particularly sharing it with his family and dedicated team, has been overwhelming for the veteran conditioner who has long worked with horses away from the spotlight of major racing events. “To end up in our home state of Kentucky with my dad at my side and my wife (Kay) and my daughter, my help that had been here through the bad times—those guys that are here now were all here then—it was like the Lord came out and gave us the greatest gift of all time and we appreciate it so much that I still don’t know, truthfully, what I’ve done. I realize it, but for some reason, it hasn’t sunk in,” Reed reflected on the profound experience.
In the quiet moments following the exhilarating race, Reed found himself rewatching moments of the celebration. A particular video, capturing his daughter Shelby’s elation and tears of joy, deeply moved him. “There is a video of my daughter, Shelby, and she was crying, just so elated after the race, and I hadn’t seen that,” Reed shared. “That was the first time that I shed a lot of tears. I know the emotions and how much it affected everybody. This is for the little guys that have just regular horses and not these million-dollar horses in every barn. A lot of us dream of the opportunity but never get it.” This sentiment underscores Reed’s connection to the racing community and his desire to inspire those who, like him, pursue their passion with less affluent stables.
Reed’s lifelong dedication to horses began in his childhood in Lexington, Kentucky. Introduced to the equine industry by his father, Herbie Reed, Eric’s path was set from an early age. Herbie Reed himself was immersed in horse training from his youth, obtaining his license and galloping horses by the age of 14. “My dad trained horses since he was old enough to get a trainer’s license,” Reed recounted. “He was galloping horses at 14. He galloped for Doug Davis in Versailles.” Herbie’s own journey into the racing world was driven by an early appreciation for the sport and the potential it offered.
Orphaned at a young age, Herbie Reed was raised by supportive families. His entry into the professional racing world was sparked by a moment of inspiration at Keeneland. Witnessing the skill and apparent enjoyment of a horse galloper, he approached a farm manager. “My dad was orphaned, and he was raised by two or three nice families when he grew up. He went to Keeneland one day and saw a guy galloping horses and realized there is a lot of money to be made doing something that looked fun, and he walked over to that farm and told them he knew how to ride. He told them a story. And the guy took him in and taught him how, and he became a rider at that point at 14.” This formative experience set Herbie Reed on a path that would ultimately influence his son’s career and their shared passion for thoroughbreds.
The success of Rich Strike, a horse that entered the Kentucky Derby with long odds, is a testament to the dedication and belief of Eric R. Reed and his team. It serves as a powerful reminder that dreams can indeed come true in the demanding and often unpredictable world of horse racing, inspiring aspiring trainers and owners alike.
