Rich Strike, winner of the 2022 Kentucky Derby, has been retired, according to a social media post from owner Rick Dawson.
The 4-year-old colt had been working back from a lay-off that started earlier this year after a build-up of scar tissue in tendons in both front legs was discovered by Dr. Larry Bramlage.
“As you are aware, for the last several months Richie has been performing light exercise while being treated for front leg issues that has kept him from traditional training & obviously from racing,” Dawson wrote on his Facebook page. “Unfortunately, these nagging issues remain. Therefore, after conversations with Dr's & a number of great horsemen I have decided to retire Richie from racing & move toward a stallion career.
“This has been an extremely difficult decision for me, however, as always, it came down to 'what's best for Richie is what's best'.
“Thank you to all that have supported & prayed for Richie. Richie is grateful.”
Subsequent to Dawson's post, Keeneland announced that Rich Strike will be on offer as a stallion prospect at the Keeneland November Horses of Racing Age Sale. He will be consigned by Candy Meadows Farm and is available for inspection in Lexington, Ky., by appointment. He will go through the ring on Friday, Nov. 17.
“Keeneland is excited to showcase Rich Strike, a rare offering who will appeal to international buyers as a stallion prospect and to fans of racing worldwide,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said in a press release.
Rich Strike had been working at Margaux Farm near Lexington, Ky., and was expected to join the New York string of trainer Bill Mott in November with a potential run in the Pegasus World Cup as Dawson's goal for his next start.
Rich Strike retires with earnings of $2.5 million and two lifetime victories, as well as a second in the Grade 2 Lukas Classic and a third in the G3 Jeff Ruby Steaks. He took some time off after finishing sixth in the G1 Clark in November 2022 but his return in the G2 Alysheba — a fifth-place finish — proved equally disappointing and led to the veterinary evaluation by Bramlage.
His 80-1 Derby victory with trainer Eric Reed and jockey Sonny Leon captured the attention of race fans and gave the horse a strong following during the rest of his 3-year-old campaign.
Reed and Dawson split this spring following a disagreement over movie rights to the horse's story.
Rich Strike was bred in Kentucky by Calumet Farm and is the son of Keen Ice and Smart Strike mare Gold Strike. He was claimed from Calumet by Dawson's RED Tr-Racing for $30,000 in his maiden victory.
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