The REAL REASON Why Rich Strike Didn’t Run in The Preakness

Elmont, NY – Dan-O’s own Dan Oliver got to sit with Rich Strike and his trainer Eric Reed to discuss why the horse didn’t run in the 2022 Preakness Stakes and learn what’s next for the Kentucky Derby winner.

An Underdog Story

Rich Strike is a 3-year-old Kentucky Thoroughbred who won the 148th annual Kentucky Derby against 80-1 odds at post time. He is the second-longest odds horse to ever win the Kentucky Derby, only second to Donerail, the 1913 winner who went off at 91-1 odds. Rich Strike’s trainer Eric Reed, is a longtime horseman but never had a derby runner before, let alone a winner. Sonny Leon was Rich Strike’s jockey for the race, and this was also Leon’s first derby. In 2021, Leon ranked 11th in total victories in the US. Rich is owned by RED TR-Racing, LLC, operated by Rick Dawson.

“We wanted to be triple-crown winners as well. You know we loved that part of it but we went to the Preakness in two weeks, he wasn’t gonna be able to perform.” Reed stated “Richie is such a routine-oriented horse, and if you deviate at all, he’s just not as cooperative as normal energy-wise. He has been fine to run back in two weeks, but mentally it takes him 3 to 3.5 weeks to start relaxing.”

Reed went on to set the next win goal on the Belmont Stakes. According to Reed, it was the perfect timing for Rich Strike to be back in his prime physically and mentally to hopefully take the race by storm. But Oliver wanted to make sure that Rich Strike was getting the treatment they deserve and asked Reed if Rich had been getting any extra treats since winning. Reed was happy to share that Rich Strike has been getting more peppermints, and Rich’s favorite, baby carrots since winning. 

Where to Watch Rich Strike Next

The 154th Belmont Stakes takes place on Saturday, June 11th, 2022 at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. The race will be broadcast live from 3 to 5 pm Eastern Standard Time on CNBC and from 5 to 7 PM EST on NBC. Coverage will also be available on NBCSports.com, the NBC Sports app, and Peacock.