It was a case of the little engine that could.
Rich Strike will forever be remembered as the loudest and proudest shout out of “I think I can. I think I can!” in horse racing history.
During the 148th Kentucky Derby on May 7 in Louisville, gray clouds cast over the landmark track as millions of fans and attendees were blinded all at once by the piercing breakaway strike of light in the run of the winning horse. The annual Run for the Roses witnessed the second-biggest upset in the race’s nearly 150 year history. He paid $163.60 to win. Only 1913’s Donerail had a higher payout of $184.90. And literally all of this came to be with just 30 seconds on a clock to put in for a position in the the race. Rich Strike, who was positioned #21, replaced Ethereal Road who scratched Friday.
The horse of the day ran the 1¼ miles in 2:02.61 becoming just the the second to win the Kentucky Derby from the 20th post position since the modern starting gate came to be in 1930, joining 2008’s Big Brown.
Trainer Eric Reed said when asked about the shocking win stated on the field during an NBC Sports interview ” I just about passed out. I’m so happy. This is the reason everyone does this,” as his father stood proudly next to him and cried tears of joy.
(Courtesy KentuckyDerby.com)
“We just knew he had a shot because every time he went longer he got better,” said owner Rick Dawson. “This is the most unbelievable day ever.”
Post Win Press Conference
And to add to the sweet slice of cake this race served up it was also a momentous day for the jockey who truly came out of nowhere to rock the racing world. He took the late-charging Rich Strike from 15th at the 1-mile point to a fast and stunning three-quarters-of-a-length victory over the crowd favorite Epicenter.
The Glorious Churchill Downs
“People kept asking me if I was nervous to ride in my first Kentucky Derby,” Leon said during the post race news conference. “I said, ‘No, I wasn’t nervous. I was excited.’ I was on an 80-1 shot and nobody knew my horse — but I did. I didn’t know if we could win, but I had a good feeling with him.”
The Beauty of Kentucky Derby
The jockey will forever be remembered for the day he out of the blue beat Hall of Fame riders Mike Smith and John Velazquez, as well as Luis Saez and Joel Rosario. Epicenter, who came in as the favorite, placed second and Zandon came in third.
The 148th Kentucky Derby was a moment of magic that we all needed.
(Cover Photo Courtesy KentuckyDerby.com)
