Where is Rich Strike Now? How Much Is It Worth?
by Janani
Updated May 13, 2023
Who is Rich Strike Horse?
Rich Strike is a famous American Thoroughbred racehorse, who defied the odds by winning the prestigious 2022 Kentucky Derby at 80–1 odds. This remarkable victory makes Rich Strike the second-largest underdog ever to claim the Kentucky Derby title, following Donerail's historic win at 91–1 odds in 1913.
Rich Strike's inclusion in the race was unexpected as he was not initially part of the field. However, due to Ethereal Road's withdrawal on the day before the race, Rich Strike was added to the Derby from the also-eligible list. Owner Richard Dawson received the news of this change just 30 seconds before the deadline, making it a thrilling last-minute development.
Where is Rich Strike Now?
In January, Rich Strike commenced his training for the 2023 season at Eric Reed's Mercury Training Center. He kicked off his campaign with a respectable fifth-position finish in the Alysheba Stakes at Churchill on the 11th of May. However, just a few days after the event, Eric Reed announced his resignation as the trainer for Rich Strike and all horses belonging to RED-TR Racing, which were under his supervision.
This decision came after the news of Reed's partnership with Omaha Productions, a production company led by former NFL quarterback, Peyton Manning. The company was set to produce a documentary on Reed's training career, which resulted in a disagreement between Reed and RED-TR Racing's Rick Dawson.
Dawson claimed that the promotional materials related to the documentary included elements of Rich Strike's story, which he believed he held the trademark and rights to. This led to a difference in opinions between the two, with Dawson insisting on protecting Rich Strike's legacy, while Reed prioritized his family's well-being.
How Much is Rich Strike Worth?
In 2022, Rich Strike's stunning upset resulted in a substantial payout for bettors. A $2 bet on Rich Strike to win paid an impressive $163.60, while placing earned $74.20, and showing returned $29.40. The exacta bet, correctly predicting the first two finishers (Rich Strike and Epicenter), yielded a remarkable $4,101.20 on a $2 wager.
Furthermore, the trifecta bet, correctly selecting the top three finishers (Rich Strike, Epicenter, and Zandon), rewarded bettors with an astounding $14,870.70 on a $1 bet. Lastly, the superfecta bet, successfully predicting the top four finishers (Rich Strike, Epicenter, Zandon, and Simplification), resulted in an extraordinary payout of $321,500.10 on a $1 bet.
Rich Strike 2023
In January, Rich Strike made his return to Eric Reed's Mercury Training Center, commencing his training for the 2023 season. With great anticipation, he embarked on his racing campaign for the year. His first significant race was the Alysheba Stakes held at Churchill Downs, where he exhibited his talent and determination, securing a commendable fifth-place finish among tough competition.
However, on May 11, just a few days after the Alysheba Stakes, a significant development occurred. Eric Reed, the trainer for Rich Strike and all horses owned by RED-TR Racing, announced his resignation. This decision came in light of Reed's recent agreement with Omaha Productions, a production company led by former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning, to create an Amazon Prime documentary about his illustrious training career.
The controversy surrounding the documentary arose when promotional materials were released, which allegedly included segments about Rich Strike's story. RED-TR Racing's Rick Dawson claimed ownership of the trademark and rights to Rich Strike's story, and he expressed concerns about how it would be portrayed in the film. The disagreement between Dawson and Reed escalated, with Dawson feeling compelled to protect Rich Strike's legacy, while Reed prioritized the well-being of his family.
This disagreement ultimately led to the resignation of Eric Reed as the trainer for Rich Strike and the horses owned by RED-TR Racing, marking a significant turning point in their professional relationship. The fallout from the dispute showcased the differing perspectives on the film project and the strong commitment both individuals had to their respective priorities
Rich Strike Win
Rich Strike defied the odds of 80-1 and emerged as the triumphant winner of the 148th Running of the Kentucky Derby, causing one of the most astonishing upsets in the history of the race. In a thrilling finish, Epicenter, the 4-1 favorite, settled for second place, while Zandon secured a respectable third-place finish.
Rich Strike's entry into the race came just a day prior when Ethereal Road was scratched. Owner Rick Dawson revealed to NBC that he entered Rich Strike with only 30 seconds to spare before the deadline, displaying unwavering confidence in their chances.
"We never enter a race we don't think we can win," Dawson declared. "It's akin to having a football team and winning the Super Bowl, perhaps even grander.
You only have one player."
Guided by jockey Sonny Leon and under the training of Eric Reed, Rich Strike stood as the underdog with the longest odds in the entire field. Yet, Leon expressed his unwavering belief in his horse, proclaiming, "I knew I had a horse for this race. As I approached the final 70 yards, I felt confident that victory was within our grasp... It's truly a dream come true."
Rich Strike Race History
Date
Distance
Race
Track
Finish
Winning time
Jockey
2021 – Two-year-old season
Aug 15, 2021
1 mile
Maiden Special Weight
Ellis Park
10
1:39.52
Ricardo Santana Jr.
Sep 17, 2021
1 mile
Maiden Claiming
Churchill Downs
1
1:36.84
Adam Beschizza
Oct 9, 2021
1 mile
Allowance optional claiming
Keeneland
3
1:38.52
Julien Leparoux
Dec 26, 2021
1
+
1⁄16 miles
Gun Runner Stakes
Fair Grounds
5
1:44.19
Ricardo Santana Jr.
2022 – Three-year-old season
Jan 22, 2022
1 mile
Leonatus Stakes
Turfway Park
3
1:39.70
Sonny Leon
Mar 5, 2022
1
+
1⁄16 miles
John Battaglia Memorial Stakes
Turfway Park
3
1:44.12
Sonny Leon
Apr 2, 2022
1
+
1⁄8 miles
Jeff Ruby Steaks
Turfway Park
3
1:48.60
Sonny Leon
May 7, 2022
1
+
1⁄4 miles
Kentucky Derby
Churchill Downs
1
2:02.61
Sonny Leon
Jun 11, 2022
1
+
1⁄2 miles
Belmont Stakes
Belmont Park
6
2:28.28
Sonny Leon
Aug 27, 2022
1
+
1⁄4 miles
Travers Stakes
Saratoga
4
2:00.72
Sonny Leon
Oct 1, 2022
1
+
1⁄8 miles
Lukas Classic Stakes
Churchill Downs
2
1:49.77
Sonny Leon
Nov 5, 2022
1
+
1⁄4 miles
Breeders' Cup Classic
Keeneland
4
2:00.05
Sonny Leon
Nov 25, 2022
1
+
1⁄8 miles
Clark Stakes
Churchill Downs
6
1:48.89
Sonny Leon
2022 – Four-year-old season
May 5, 2023
1
+
1⁄16 miles
Alysheba Stakes
Churchill Downs
5
1:41.29
Sonny Leon
Rich Strike Odds
Rich Strike, with odds stacked against him at 80-1, achieved an incredible feat by emerging as the victor in the highly anticipated 148th Running of the Kentucky Derby. This extraordinary triumph marked one of the most remarkable upsets ever witnessed in the race's storied history.
The thrilling conclusion saw Epicenter, the favored contender with odds of 4-1, having to settle for a second-place finish, while Zandon put on an impressive performance to secure a commendable third-place position. The race showcased the unpredictability and excitement that make the Kentucky Derby a true spectacle of equine competition.
Where is Rich Strike Now? - FAQs
Rich Strike won the Kentucky Derby at 80-1 odds, making it one of the most surprising upsets in the race's history.
Donerail holds the title for being the biggest longshot winner with odds of 91-1 in 1913.
Rich Strike was not initially in the field but was added from the also-eligible list after Ethereal Road was scratched one day before the race.
Richard Dawson learned about Rich Strike's inclusion in the Kentucky Derby just 30 seconds before the deadline.
Rich Strike, also known as Richie, is a chestnut colt with a white blaze and two white socks on his hind legs. He was bred at Calumet Farm in Kentucky, foaled on April 25, 2019. His dam, Gold Strike, was the Canadian Champion Three-Year-Old Filly of 2005, and he was sired by Keen Ice.
Jockey Sonny Leon rode Rich Strike to his triumphant victory in the 148th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 7, 2022.