We are so speechless after what just happened in this year’s 148th edition of the Kentucky Derby, and it’s an outsider from entry No.21 in Rich Strike with jockey Sonny Leon & owner Eric Reed.
He even mentioned during the post-race ceremony that it took him last minute to compete in this Triple Crown opener at Churchill Downs, because of Ethereal Road who was scratched from the running yesterday.
He was running at the back behind everyone earlier on before he waited patiently through the turns they go, and eventually struck his sweet spot on the homestretch where Rich Strike just shocked the entire race field, including race favourite Epicenter, who had to settle for the runner-up spot.
It’s also a great day for some punters out there where they will walk away with $254 because of Rich Strike’s shock victory, as per NSW TAB. The 2nd and 3rd placed horses in Epicenter and Zandon were even valued at around $2, having been placed within the first ten entries up front.
What a story it has been from someone out of nowhere as a last-minute replacement to a breakthrough star that wrote history in the world of Triple Crown horse racing and the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
The next Triple Crown race will head off to Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, for the 147th Preakness Stakes running in two weeks time.