The Colt Rich Strike caused one of the biggest turmoil in Kentucky Derby history on Saturday. Listed at 80-1 before the start, he made a spectacular comeback in the final stretch, easily overtaking two of the favorites, to save himself the great honors of the legendary event.
Rich Strike is the latest colt to get his Derby ticket. He received an invitation on Friday after pulling out of Ethereal Road. Although he started outside the corridor, he was the first to reach the finish, in 2 min 02.61 s.
I fell to the ground when he crossed the line, the winning colt’s trainer, Eric Reed, admitted. I almost fainted!
From the start, Crown Pride took the lead, listed 17-1, while the winner was finally – where expected – at the back of the pack.
Crown Pride didn’t hold back the speed in the final meters, giving way to the expected final between Epicenter (4-1) and Zandon (6-1), two of the favorites.
But without warning, jockey Sonny Leon tricked Rich Strike into rounding up a rival, leaving the field open for the colt who looked bad on the two leaders.
When I got to the last 70 yards, I thought I would winsaid Leon.
The Rich Strike team walked away carrying a US $ 1,860,000 purse awarded to the winner, while the foal was covered with a famous blanket of roses.
It was a first Derby appearance for both Venezuelan-born Leon and Reed.
After two years marked by health restrictions to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the Derby is back to its former form, with its vibrant colors and deafening noise.
About 150,000 spectators gathered at Churchill Downs, dressed as 31-year-olds and enjoying the legendary cocktail Mint Julep served in a souvenir glass. Former US President Donald Trump was noteworthy.
Under the cloudy sky, American singer Jack Harlow launched a battle by uttering the famous The riders are tall!instructing jockeys to mount their horse and go on the track.
Seconds later, the crowd responded loudly as the trumpet sounded to signal the arrival of the calves.
Source: Radio-Canada
