The Strike of Riches
05/09/2022
By: Jeff Yoder
80-1 Long Shot ‘Rich Strike’ Shocks the World With Greatest Kentucky Derby Upset in 109 Years
The fastest two minutes in sports may have provided the most shocking two minutes in sports at Saturday’s 148th Run for the Roses. On Friday morning when we delivered our Kentucky Derby preview, Rich Strike wasn’t in the field. By Saturday night, he was the champion. The horse was entered in the race after Ethereal Road was scratched. He was an 80-1 long shot when the bets poured in.
A Strike of Riches: The two favorites — Zandon and Epicenter — were out in front until Rich Strike found another gear. Jockey Sonny Leon cut his horse to the inside on the final turn and maneuvered through traffic, galloping from 17th position all the way to first in a stunning twist. It was the greatest odds-on upset to win the Kentucky Derby since 1913 when 91-1 long shot Donerail won. To top it off, Rich Strike’s time of 2:02.61 was within 1.5 seconds of the top-10 fastest finishes in Derby history.
“What Planet is This?”
Rich Strike was the first Derby horse for owner Rick Dawson. It was also the first Derby appearance for jockey (Sonny Leon) and trainer Eric Reed. The disbelief among the trio was felt throughout the world.
“I feel like I have been propelled somewhere. I’m not sure. This is unbelievable. I asked my trainer up on stage, I said, ‘Are you sure this is not a dream? Because it can’t be true.’ He assured me this is real.” — Rick Dawson
1. Rich Strike
2. Epicenter
3. Zandon
4. Simplification
5. Mo Donegal
Watch: Rich Strikes Pulls the Greatest Kentucky Derby Upset in a Century
Additional Storylines
SI: Rich Strike’s Journey From ‘Pea Patch’ to Derby Winner
CBS Sports: The 10 Biggest Underdogs to Win the Kentucky Derby
USA Today: Rich Strike’s Stunning KY Derby Win the Ultimate Palate Cleanser for a Troubled Sport
NY Post: Overhead Video Shows Just How Wild Rich Strike’s Kentucky Derby Win Really Was
Photo: Rob Carr / Getty Images