LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (AP) – Rich Strike has charged to overtake leaders in the final steps to a stunning 80-1 disappointment in the Kentucky derby.
Jockey Sonny Leon steered Rich Strike from far into the field with 20 horses to beat his favorite Epicenter 4-1 by three-quarters of the length. Zandon was three-quarters of the length back in third place in the Churchill Downs in front of a crowd that included former President Donald Trump.
Rich Strike had the second biggest upheaval in the 148-year history of the race. He paid $ 163.60 to win. Only Donerail in 1913 had a higher payout of $ 184.90.
Rich Strike wasn’t even on the Derby field until Friday, when Ethereal Road was scratched, making room for the chestnut foal trained by Eric Reed. Both Leon from Venezuela and Reed were in their first derby. Leon regularly rides small tracks, including Ohio.
Leon’s walk was reminiscent of jockey Calvin Borrell aboard Mine That Bird in 2009. Mine That Bird paid $ 103.20 to win.
Rich Strike was bought by owner RED TR-Racing LLC for $ 30,000 last fall when it was included in a low-level race by former owner Calumet Farm.
Rich Strike won $ 1.86 million for his second career victory alone.
Add Comment