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Rich Strike faced incredibly odds of 83-1, making him a the the second-highest longshot to win The Derby.
Making things even more amazing, Rich Strike barely made it into the race.
Just one day earlier, on Friday morning, Rich Strike was not a member of the field.
This angle is incredible https://t.co/t5aHAAjvSK
— Mike Gray (@mikegray79) May 7, 2022
Trainer D. Wayne Lukas was forced to step down, which allowed Rich Strike to fill the spot.
Rich Strike was listed at number 21 with only $74,500 in winnings this season.
Every other competitor had easily over $100,000 to $1 million in earnings in the season.
— HoopyHoops (@HoopyHoops) May 7, 2022
More on this story via Yahoo News:
Rich Strike was in 17th position into the final turn, and began accelerating through the pack, moving to the inside as the race entered the front stretch. As Zandon and Epicenter battled for the lead, Rich Strike streaked along the rail to claim victory. The horses raced out to the fastest quarter mile in the race’s 148-year history, and that quick start may have contributed to the last-second fade of the leaders.
Rick Dawson, owner of Rich Strike, found out his horse would be running in the Derby about 30 seconds before the Friday morning entry deadline. Ethereal Road’s scratch opened the door for Rich Strike, whose owner and trainer had already made plans to begin training this weekend in New York for the Belmont Stakes. It’s safe to say those plans have changed.
“We always felt if we could just get in, we’d have a shot,” Dawson said. “We proved it today.”
Rich Strike’s victory was the greatest odds upset since 1913, when 91-1 long shot Donerail claimed victory. Whether unaccustomed to victory or charged up from the atmosphere, Rich Strike began nipping at the escort pony after the race, adding even more chaos to a scene already rampant with madness.
