Kentucky Derby Winner Rich Strike Will Skip the Preakness

Rich Strike, the captivating 80-1 long shot Kentucky Derby winner, won’t have a second act in the Preakness Stakes on May 21.

Richard Dawson, Rich Strike’s owner, said the horse won’t run in the second leg of the Triple Crown in an effort to give him “more recovery time.”

“Obviously, with our tremendous effort and win in the Derby it’s very, very tempting to alter our course and run in the Preakness at Pimlico,” Dawson said in a statement. However, he added, that he and trainer Eric Reed “are going to stay with our plan of what’s best for ‘Ritchie’ is what’s best for our group, and pass on running in the Preakness.”

Dawson said Rich Strike will aim to return for the Belmont Stakes on June 11.

Rich Strike although an 80/1 outsider, after its win is adored by the Americans. They have nothing but love for the horse to the connections. Americans seem to love horses that close in from far back to win. Everyone loves an underdog. I have seen the replays numerous times and the aerial view was astonishing to see what a phenomenal performance this was. Hats off to the jockey who never won a Graded race before this.

If an 80/1 shot won here, we will not hear the end of it, All hell breaks loose.

Naresh that overhead replay of the race was truly astonishing 👏