80-1 shot Rich Strike races to huge upset in Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. –

Rich Strike sprinted up the rail to a spectacular 80-1 win in the Kentucky Derby. Zandon and Epicenter were dueling in front.

Rich Strike, a 20-horse field horse, was ridden by Jockey Sonny Leon. He beat Epicenter 4-1 by three-quarters lengths. Zandon finished third at Churchill Downs, another three-quarters length back. This was in front of an audience that included former President Donald Trump.

Rick Dawson, the winner of the race, said that he almost fell to the ground when he hit the wire. said. “I nearly passed out.”

Rich Strike was the catalyst for the second-biggest upset during the race’s history of 148 years. He paid US$163.60 per win. Only Donerail, 1913, had a $184.90 payout.

Rich Strike covered 1 1/4 mile in 2:02.61.

Rich Strike enjoyed a taste of his more costly competition before he chomped the pony which led him to victory.

Rich Strike didn’t make it to the Derby field at all until Friday, when D. Wayne Lukas, Hall of Fame trainer, scratched Ethereal Road. This made room for Eric Reed’s chestnut colt.

Dawson: “We discovered about 30 seconds prior to the Friday deadline.” said. “It brought us into the race and really, we always felt that if only we got in we could win.”

Leon, a Venezuelan, and Reed participated in their first Derby. Leon rides regularly on small circuits including Ohio. Five years ago, Reed was the victim of a tragic accident that saw him lose nearly two dozen horses to a barn fire at his Lexington training center.

Leon’s rail ride reminded jockey Calvin Borel of his stealth move aboard Mine That Bird 2009. Mine That Bird won the Derby’s third-largest upset. They paid $103.20 for it.

“When I was within the last 70 yards, I saidLeon: “I think I’ve got this race.” said.

Dawson bought Rich Strike, who races under RED TR-Racing LLC. The colt was entered into a low-level claiming race last fall by Calumet Farm’s former owner.

Brad Kelley, Calumet Farm owner, may be regretting that decision. Calumet Farm won eight Kentucky Derbies for the record, but only one since 1968 when Forward Pass was disqualified.

Rich Strike won his second career win with $1.86million. The colt lost to Zandon at the Blue Grass Stakes in February and was beaten in the Louisiana Derby by Epicenter.

Simplification came in fourth place, while Mo Donegal was fifth.