This year's Kentucky Derby was absolutely mind blowing. From the final outcome, the last minute entry, everything at stake, it was nothing short of a miracle. I thought it was only fitting to do the blog today on an underdog horse that turned into a legend, Rich Strike. 

Rich Strike was born April 25, 2019. He is a big, beautiful chestnut Thoroughbred destined for greatness. His sire is Keen Ice, who finished seventh in the 2015 Kentucky Derby and won a few graded stakes races. His dam, Gold Strike, also won a graded stakes race. He was born at Callumet Farms, but spent a lot of time training at the famous Mayberry Farm in Ocala. 

As a yearling, Rich Strike was sent to Mayberry Farm to start and prepare him for the career ahead. Eddie Ordonez was the trainer and he worked with Rich Strike from Fall 2020 to Spring 2021. He had the reputation of being a "rambunctious colt". Mayberry herself referred to him as "a teenage boy", not very serious and doing everything except what was being asked. Despite his playful personality, she believed he had tremendous talent. It just takes some horses a little longer to find it than others. He came off as a tough guy, but was a sweet natured horse. From an outsider's point of view, you can see he made an impact while at Mayberry Farm. 

Once Rich Strike was finished with training at Mayberry Farm, he went to a trainer named Joe Sharp. Not long after, Rich strike was claimed by trainer, Eric Reed, and purchased by Rick Dawson. Dawson owned RED TR-Racing LLC and purchased Rich Strike for $30,000. Even though that is a large amount of money, it was considered low for a horse of this caliber. Little did he know that this horse would be his first Kentucky Derby winner.  

Before running in the Derby, Rich Strike only won one of seven races entered. He also placed third in three other races. That's pretty crazy if you think about it. 

Friday morning before the Kentucky Derby, a horse by the name of, Ethereal Road, scratched from the race. Rich Strike was a very last minute entry and only got in because this other horse drew out. It was the 11th hour and he made it in. He was ridden by, Sonny Leon, a jockey from Venezuela. This was a long shot, the second longest shot in history to be exact. The odds on Rich Strike winning were 80-1. The longest shot was back in 1913 with a horse named, Donerail. His odds were 91-1 and he did cross the finish line as the champion. Rich Strike was running against 20 other horses with much greater odds. This was a big deal that no one really saw coming, except Rich Strike's team/family. They had faith and knew this horse could do it. 

On Saturday, May 7th, the gates opened and the horses were off. Of course the focus was on the horses who were expected to win. Rich Strike was in the back for majority of the race, at times he wasn't even in the frame on TV. Sonny just kept guiding him from far back and nearly at the end of the race, a spot opened up. The Kentucky Derby posted that Sonny Leon said, "I had to wait until the stretch and that's what I did. I waited and then the rail opened up." Once he saw that opening, he made his move and Rich Strike took the win. It was incredible, gave me goosebumps. 

The whole world was shocked, but ecstatic with what they had just witnessed. The whole team behind Rich Strike was overwhelmed with happiness and they really showed their appreciation to the horse. He went from only winning one race to making history and bringing home $1.86 million in one day. People have compared him to some of the greats, including Secretariat. I am always rooting for the underdog and I think this win was so truly deserved. 

There was a lot of controversary afterwards about Rich Strike's behavior and then not entering the Preakness, but I want to stay away from that. I just wanted to focus on what a cool story this horse has and he literally beat all odds and still accomplished something amazing. I have a feeling this isn't the last time we will be seeing Rich Strike at that winner's circle. 

(photo credit: https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/07/sport/kentucky-derby-winner-rich-strike/index.html )