Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike has been retired and will be sold as a stallion.
The horse, who won the first leg of the Triple Crown in 2022 as an 80-1 longshot, has been battling issues with his front leg.
“Effective immediately I am announcing the retirement of Rich Strike from racing,” owner Rick Dawson said in a statement released Thursday. “Over the past few months, Rich Strike was given the opportunity to rehab and return to his top racing form. However, nagging injuries have prevented that from happening. I’m hopeful now that Rich Strike finds a new home and begins a second career as a stallion.”
Keeneland, billed as the world’s largest thoroughbred auction house, announced that the horse will be “offered as a stallion prospect” on Nov. 17 at its November Horses of Racing Age Sale.
The 4-year-old Rich Strike had a 2-1-3 record in 14 starts and earned more than $2.5 million. He was sold in a $30,000 claiming race in September 2021.
The following year, Rich Strike crossed the finish line at Churchill Downs as the second-biggest longshot and first claimed horse to win the race. He paid $163.60 to win, $74.20 to place and $29.40 to show.
–Field Level Media