Despite Crazy Odds, Rich Strike Wins the 148th Kentucky Derby

By:  Alfred

The 148th Kentucky Derby was held on May 7th, 2022. Rich Strike surpassed
incomprehensible odds to win the event at 80-1. It was the second biggest upset in derby
history behind Donerail’s odds in 1913 at 91-1.
It is very rare to see a horse with unfavorable odds win the crown jewel of the sport. It is
also a very surprising win considering Rich Strike replaced Ethereal Road who scratched on the
Friday prior to the race. He also started the race towards the rear of the field at 21st
.
It was tight race up until the final stretch were Messier, who was at the front for the
majority of the race was passed on his outside by Epicenter, who had the best odds heading
into today at 4-1. Zandon was keeping very close to him on his right the entire way. Seemingly
out of nowhere, Rich Strike hit the gas and passed both of the other horses to win the event.
Epicenter finished runner-up and was beaten by under a horse length. Zandon, Simplification,
and Mo Donegal rounded out the top five and third, fourth, and fifth spots respectively.
Rich Strike’s trainer Eric Reed following the race:
“This is something that is the reason everyone does this because we are not supposed to be
here, but I knew this horse loves the track and we’ve been training so good all year…”
This marks not only Reed’s first Kentucky Derby appearance, but also Reed’s first win. It was
also jockey Sonny Leon’s first appearance and win.
This is also only Rich Strike’s second win of his career as he brought in $1.86 million for
his team, RED TR-Racing LLC. Epicenter brought in $600,000 for finishing second.
Rich Strike and Leon look to continue their quest for the Triple Crown in Baltimore at the
Preakness Stakes on May 21st