In a Facebook post Thursday morning, owner Rick Dawson announced that Eric Reed has quit as his trainer, necessitating the move of 2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike to a new barn.
Dawson did not indicate who the new trainer will be.
The post reads:
“I just received notice, via a text, that Eric Reed has quit as my trainer. I have to make plans to move all my horses including Rich Strike immediately.
It appears his agent/manager & Eric are subject to an agreement with Omaha Prod they signed many months ago that may incriminate them regarding possible violation to my Trademark & NIL of my rights as owner of Rich Strike. See agent & Omaha Prod announcements.
Life will go on. GO RICHIE!”
Reed provided the following statement to Horse Racing Nation on the situation:
“I regret to announce that I have made a decision to resign as the trainer of Rich Strike. My stint as his trainer has been the joy of a lifetime, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity and the ride the horse has given me and to everyone associated with Reed Racing.
“Unfortunately, Mr. Dawson has made a demand of me that I simply can't abide. I have not made his decision lightly, but I have concluded that it is in the best interest of Reed Racing and my family. I wish nothing but the best for Rich Strike and Mr. Dawson going forward.”
Both men told HRN they did not expect a reconciliation was possible.
Yesterday, Dawson posted on his Facebook page to tell followers that “the use of Rich Strike, his name, image, and likeness has not been approved by me, as owner.” Dawson went on to say he had not approved the use of the horse's name, image, or likeness by Omaha Prod or any other entity besides one unnamed website and the Kentucky Derby Museum.
Dawson may be referencing an announcement that Peyton Manning's Omaha Productions plans to create a documentary about Rich Strike through the lens of Reed. Sports Business Journal indicated that the production company talked with Reed via Zoom about the project last fall, at which time Manning had heard rumors Reed may be considering deals from other companies. The Omaha Productions project was slated to be distributed by Prime Video.
Reed and Dawson had worked together since 2021, at which time Dawson has said he had been considering getting out of racing because as a minority owner he felt like he had little control over his horses and little opportunity to learn about the sport.
Rich Strike captured the imaginations of thousands of race fans with his stunning 80-1 upset in the Run for the Roses. Besides a second-place effort in the Grade 2 Lukas Classic last fall, he has failed to hit the board since his Derby victory.
The post Reed Splits With Dawson, Rich Strike To Move To A New Trainer appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
