Rich Strike came charging up the rail for a stunning 80-1 upset in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. Rich Strike ran 1 1/4 miles in 2:02.61.
Jockey Sonny Leon guided Rich Strike from far back in the 20-horse field to beat 4-1 favorite Epicenter by three-quarters of a length.
Rich Strike triggered the second-biggest upset in the race’s 148-year history, paying $163.60 to win.
Rich Strike wasn’t even in the Derby field until Friday when Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas scratched Ethereal Road, making room for Rich Strike.
Rich Strike was purchased by Dawson, who races as RED TR-Racing LLC, for $30,000 last fall when the colt was entered in a low-level claiming race by former owner Calumet Farm.
Rich Strike earned $1.86 million for just his second career victory.
