Derby the day after: Eric Reed on Rich Strike's upset at 80-1 (Part 2)

[@lacymouse501]

What a sweet humble man. I'm so happy for him.

[@kimcissell1905]

That was the best 30 k buy ever. Sonny had an amazing ride. Wow

[@tarastewart6921]

This interview with Mr. Reed is what I wish for in every trainer. What a class act, what a great guy, love his dedication and loyalty to his horses, the jockey and his family. His clients are blessed with a great trainer and deep well of knowledge of and love for the horses!

[@debbieashton4976]

@pat mckinzie oh boo

[@outoftime7740]

Every Kentucky Derby winner has to race the next race. The people love Triple Crown horses, which are hard to come by. That's what makes the Kentucky Derby winner so special is hoping that the horse can win the next race and then the final one. Mike Smith said this Derby was the most well rounded Derby he has seen in a long time. Meaning 15 horses all had a shot at winning the race. Leon was brilliant in how he quickly took his horse to the rail, from 20 post. Horses on the outside have to run much farther than the horses on the rail. So Leon chilled on the rail and allowed all the other horses in front to burn themselves out. And then he kicked into gear and timed it perfectly. Kudos to Rich Strike, a horse that was overlooked and too far out.

[@aaronnarsavage3640]

I don’t if by saying “have to race the next race” in reference to running in the Preakness Stakes as meaning you would like to see Derby winners run in the Preakness. It’s the owner’s decision, but it’s certainly not a requirement. It’s happened many times over the years. In fact, it just happened in 2019. Derby winner, Country House, did not run in the Preakness.

[@outoftime7740]

@@aaronnarsavage3640 Then really those horses who won the Kentucky Derby and decide to not race in the Preakness, shouldn't have even participated in the Kentucky Derby then. It's not fair to the horse trying to make history and be a Triple Crown winner. There are no Derby winners racing in the Preakness, only one. Don't know what you are talking about.. All these horses who were good enough 3 year olds, to make the Kentucky Derby ,get ONE chance and ONE chance only, to be a TC Horse. remember

[@aaronnarsavage3640]

@@outoftime7740 “It’s not fair to the horse”??? I can assure you that no horse that has ever run in the Kentucky Derby, let alone won that race, has ever realized the significance of it nor any comprehension of what the Triple Crown is. “Don’t know what you are talking about” What I was talking about is that there is no requirement for a Derby winner to race in the Preakness. I thought I made that clear in my original response. However, the reason why it’s not a requirement and it’s strictly up to the owner of the horse (and not just jubilant fans of the sport), is due to the health of the horse. You see, not all of the horses come out of races exactly in the same condition physically. Often, their recovery time varies…..this is the reason why you won’t see many of the Derby participants (who didn’t win) NOT running in the Preakness, but you may see them 5 weeks later in the Belmont….because their owners understand that the health of their horse is of paramount importance….especially when it comes to their investment and future breeding concerns.

[@outoftime7740]

@@aaronnarsavage3640 Why race in the Preakness now, if their horses lost in the Derby. There is no sense in that and no purpose. Only Rich Strike has a purpose in that race. Even the Belmont is no use to the Derby losers. These next two races will be filled with horses that were deemed notworthy of the Kentucky Derby.. its all about the Triple Crown, thats why they do this every year. Winning the Triple Crown in horse racing is the ultimate goal and everyone's wish in horse racing. That's why there has only been 13 horses to accomplish such an incredible feat. since 1875. Everyone that watched the Kentucky Derby was already asking themselves, "is this the year we have a Triple Crown winner and every year we get our hopes sunk again and again. Looking for another Secretariat, which wont ever happen, we are all just hoping for a miracle. The owners of RichStrike are happy with the Derby. I'm sure they don't see anything further with their horse.

[@outoftime7740]

@@aaronnarsavage3640 And to me that's a year wasted. Again and again.. You are better off going for these 3 races. Then after these TC races are over, then retire him for good.

[@TonicYellow19]

Watching Rich Strike win brought tears to my eyes. I had to hold it back. I'm a BIG FAN NOW for Rich. So awesome.

[@lisagonzalez9144]

Such an amazing story, and so humble! It's awesome to see a hard working man that never really dreamed of being where he is today talk about yes we won the Derby, but I'll keep taking care of my horse like I have from day 1 . If you watch how Sonny squeezed Strike in between 2 horses going into the last turn (to me anyway) I saw the bond between horse & rider in that moment. Strike commanded his space on the track and opened up in the straight away like he knew he was chasing greatness. That is a well trained horse that loves to run! This has to be my favorite derby in my lifetime and I believe Mr. Reed will absolutely think of his horse first and not the stakes of the triple crown. At the end of the day, this is what happens when you take a good horse, train him with good riders, and let the horse be the horse.

[@myjeevie]

"Strike commanded his space on the track and opened up in the straight away like he knew he was chasing greatness. " Hi Lisa! Your wonderful words perfectly describe that thrilling race. So appreciate your thoughts and your lovely, heartfelt way of writing. Kind regards to you and thank you for writing such an absolutely beautiful comment.

[@johnnyheaters4205]

Beautifully said. The command the jockey had on his horse was why they won the race, the horse trusted the jockey. That horse was born to race and is a killer. I’ve never in my life seen a horse look 2 horses in the eye (the 2 favorites) and dust them like that. It gives me chills. Well trained horse all credit to Mr.Reed and the owner

[@ranger300zx]

These are the stories that make you really love this sport

[@ahappyguy7695]

If you’re an American over the age of 40 you know this is an all American story line that makes our blood dance for joy. These are the type of story’s that were raised on. This is a proud moment an a lot of levels. #grateful

[@redrocks1983]

Amen...👍🏼

[@laurawerner114]

Great horse, great ride by Sonny and so happy for Eric Reed! You're an awesome team! Keep that horse safe and sound. So happy to see a humble proud trainer

[@pstewart9012]

“My Obligation is for Richie first”. - Love 💗 this Trainer!! I am from 🇨🇦Canada and RICH STRIKE’S DAM is a Woodbine from Canada 😊.

[@CastleMc]

Great to see the small barns get one and Mr. Reed seems like a genuinely good person and very deserving trainer. But Sonny Leon is the biggest hero-what a brilliant ride! Interesting that Rich Strike was bred by Calumet and his stamina pedigree is second to none of the other entries but he got shuffled down the line and now everyone acts like came from Mars.

[@1houndgal]

From Smart Strike by Curlin.

[@moa3008]

@@1houndgal Rich Strike’s sire won the 2015 Travers Stakes race against American Pharoah!

[@johnmartin7158]

Certainly feel happy for Mr. Reed. Good on him. NZ

[@CastleMc]

@Myke Mynah True enough although a few pedigree analysts predicted he would hit the board since most people expected a hot pace

[@suzanneyoung8011]

@@1houndgal actually his sire is Keen Ice who is a son of Curlin, whose sire is Smart Strike. And Rich Strike's dam is by Smart Strike, so that makes him bred on a 3 x 2 cross to Smart Strike.

[@kimcissell1905]

This Louisville native is so happy for all of you. Congratulations. Go Baby Go!!

[@krg9942]

Mr. Reed is right when he says he was lucky (in multiple ways). What a story! Plus, Rich Strike has great bloodlines for the claiming price.

[@bridgetdavlin4771]

Wish there were more people like Eric Reed in racing. He really cares about horses

[@urbanwilliam5407]

I galloped horses for Eric and just a class act, all business , knows his horses and hands on trainer, congratulations Eric and Kay Kay....

[@ralphfiglow7714]

David beat Goliath yesterday at the Kentucky Derby,unbelievable .Congratulations to the great horse and ALL his connections.

[@moa3008]

The low profile jockey (Sonny Leon) is the David that beat the top jockeys (Goliath)!

[@JJj-xratedgt]

Makes you LUV THE SPORT ALMOST AS MUCH AS YOU RESPECT A MAN LIKE THIS!!!

[@tonynaccarato4751]

Could not be happier for the whole team, humble, decent, good trainer, loves his horses, owner a pleasure for him to win, leon very good rider, rich strike can run all day, look at the form, no early speed, but hes a stone closer, cant wait to see him in the belmont, and travers, and the almighty classic, he has the class. He was no fluke, he needs a decent pace to run at, im a richy fan.

[@grgoldner]

Sonny Leon went from riding Cripples at Mountaineer Park to winning the Kentucky Derby. Great story.

[@TonicYellow19]

@rick cook I'm in Mansfield Ohio. I so bad would love to go to the Triple Crown race. I know I wouldn't be able to hold the tears back, esp if Rich Strike wins. Old Secretariat videos gets to me. I'm swallowing hard trying to not let tears stream. It goes that deep on me.

[@confucius2616]

@rick cook I’d give the jockey way more credit in this case. You’re absolutely right about the horse but the way he brought him from the rear of the pack was a hell of a ride

[@urbanwilliam5407]

@rick cook dumbass it's 90 percent horse,Eric good trainer sonny rode amazing race , congratulations 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@mattm8932]

@rick cook if you believe this, you know nothing

[@cjandersonfineartphotograp2391]

What a great story and from such humble beginnings. This humbleness, even after winning the Kentucky Derby, is great to see. Congratulations to the whole team! Looking forward to the Preakness!!!

[@lizpadilla3292]

Horse racing need this a person that is doing the right thing for the horse.

[@redsky8763]

We must thank Kentucky and New York for finally clamping down on Baffert otherwise this race might have been another wire to wire Baffert juiced up winner. Well done Mr Reed and Sonny Leon. Was an epic performance.

[@jenniferflynn736]

exactly! 💯

[@outoftime7740]

That was the first thing I heard out of people's mouth, seconds after RS won the race, was ""they better drug test him. "

[@deanoppergoalieclinics834]

Congrats Eric Reed,kind man, so happy for you,amazing,dreams come true!!!

[@kwgrid]

It was really interesting to learn that Rich Strike is out of a Smart Strike mare. So was Mine That Bird, just different mare. In fact, Rich Strike has a better pedigree than Mine That Bird. mho :) Congratulations all 'round!

[@hello-laura]

*I hit the exacta and I’m still stunned.*

[@majesticsounds2867]

Congrats

[@TonicYellow19]

@@majesticsounds2867 Indeed!!

[@hello-laura]

@@majesticsounds2867 thanks guys no one even cares but it’s too cool not to share.

[@briansims4365]

Wow!

[@myjeevie]

Congratulations to Eric Reed and wonderful Rich Strike! Magnificent race.

[@patsywolfe6100]

I am so proud of all of you...I love the way you share with everyone...and your faith...God bless you and that beautiful boy....the very best of luck...!!!...

[@georgecherian6520]

Talk about the breeding of Rich Strick and its Canadian connections through the Smart strick (Sam-Son farm). His mother is Canadian-born and a champion.. Excellent breeding & grandson of Curlin.

[@spirituallifecoachinginsti7207]

GRANDSON OF " CURLIN " TKS. FOR THIS HORSE HISTORY...." CURLIN " IS ON MY WALL OF FAME....IN MY TOP 3 HORSES I LOVE THE MOST.....SECRETARIAT.....SEATTLE SLEW.....CURLIN.....I GOT 17 MORE IN BEAUTIFUL PLAQUES ON MY WALL OF FAME...BELMONT - AQUEDUCT HANDICAPPER...WAS MY RACING DAD....1919-2008...LOVE THE TRACK.....!!!

[@georgecherian6520]

@@spirituallifecoachinginsti7207 What about Northern Dancer? That Pedigree line is still going strong.

[@TonicYellow19]

@@spirituallifecoachinginsti7207 I was just watching old Secretariat videos a couple weeks ago. The horse with the extra big heart ❤️ I'm trying to figure out if Rich Strike ran faster than Secretariat ever did. Do you know? Googling isn't helping me. Thanks

[@1houndgal]

@@TonicYellow19 Rich Strike beat tired horses. Too many rabbits 🐇 helped him out.

[@pocahon8460]

Yankee stock

[@xlr8tedzoom]

Mr Reed has some well spoken words. A manager/trainer should put the horse 1st and not look for the triple crown if he thinks the horse is not sound. Sonny had a great ride scrubbing Rich's neck to urge him on to the win. Great manager, great horse, great rider! I love to see the underdog (80-1) win and hope to see more of his journey in the future.

[@Daytonaman675]

What a humble and genuine guy. The gold fingernail from his daughter is big time.

[@suestaley844]

Really happy for this team. Nice to see the regular working folks take the trophy home. Congrats to Keen Ice and Calumet too. Bet his stud fee just doubled!

[@bubbleslee8724]

I don’t really care for horse races but I LOVED THIS ONE! The need for this to be a documentary is huge! Congrats to everyone who helped Rich Strike be where he is today!

[@champstar9669]

Like many others, I'm blown away by how humble Mr. Reed is. Very refreshing.

[@lgen2458]

When they make a movie about Rich Strike in the 2022 Kentucky Derby,They should hire Ned Beatty or Larry The Cable guy play Eric Reeds part!

[@redrocks1983]

Ned is gone...I can think of several fitting actors. 👍🏼

[@lgen2458]

@@redrocks1983 Ron Jeramy???

[@raegansamsoneventing]

You can tell this is a family affair, from the jockey to the trainer, it’s all about family, a central theme in all their remarks. I have 4 horses myself, and they can pick up on all the energies around them. I think the positive loving energy allowed the horse to run free. Hope he runs free for a long long time ❤️❤️ will he be the next Zenyatta?

[@TonicYellow19]

What a super sweet comment from you. ❤️

[@annamalaiviswanathan6112]

Good guys do finish first sometimes.

[@christopherchannelmarlo3227]

Congratulations Rich Strike you made the Perfect 👍 Trip.

[@spirituallifecoachinginsti7207]

MILES & MILES...OF CONGRATULATIONS.....!!!!......YOU ARE SO MUCH - OF A ....BETTER TRAINER....THAN MILLIONS ....NOW KNOW.....BRAVO.....GET YOUR CROWN.....SMILE....KEEP GOING.....PRAY 24/7....EVERYBODY MATTERS....IN LIFE....CAREER....FAMILY....SPORTS....SOCIETY......LOVE MORE....SHARE-CARE MORE....24/7.......AMEN....!!!

[@diannacarey6508]

Awesome win..great horse,owner,trainer,grooms!! Couldn't be HAPPIER FOR ALL OF YOU!! GO GET EM' ....HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE PREAKNESS!!

[@ADOTlied]

It's a great win when the unforseen, the unimaginable happens, Godspeed to these people who strive for greatness every day.

[@kenman2286]

THANK YOU FOR PUTTING THE HORSE BEFORE A RACE... TRULY SHOWS THE HORSE IS IN GOOD HANDS!!

[@nikierohrer2001]

This guy is an example for us all!!! God bless him.

[@kim13207]

What a story so happy for the outcome. Keep richie sound this horse has moxy!

[@bettywolford8309]

What a good man!

[@krakhour2]

Never seen Leon ride like that. That horse closed like he had hot peppers for lunch. This is what shows people a hot pace like 45 seconds can burn up the other horses and lets a horse set off the pace and win. Guaranteed this horse wont repeat at pimlico

[@alleykat5188]

I agree,I'll bet him in the Belmont.

[@thatflippinrabbit954]

They should skip the Preakness and go straight to the Belmont,his running style will not suit the tighter track shorter distance,he will be hard to beat going 1 1/2 miles fresh.

[@outoftime7740]

They should skip the Preakness? What for? What do you think these Triple Crown races are for.... to find a Triple Crown horse. You cant skip the next 2 races. If he loses the Preakness you can skip Belmont. But if he wins the Preakness, he must go on. I say race Rich Strike in the next two races, and then- retire him for good.. Would be best.

[@outoftime7740]

Plus the Preakness is a shorter race, so that's perfect.

[@moa3008]

I don’t understand why you are underestimating Rich Strike’s potential to win the Preakness Stakes; if there’s a smaller field that would give him a better chance of winning regardless of the tight turns. I think that there will be a smaller field perhaps half the size of the Kentucky Derby because most of the Derby contender’s’ trainers will want to give them a rest because they’ve been training very hard for the Kentucky Derby.

[@jakreu]

I see where you're coming from, but for all we know, theoretically, he COULD be a Triple Crown Champion, who knows, if we don't try?

[@outoftime7740]

If your horse cant handle to race 3 races, back to back to back, in his entire career, and as a 3 year old. Then you have no business entering the horse into the Kentucky Derby. That's what makes the Kentucky Derby special and viewed by millions upon millions. Is to hopefully have a Triple Crown winner. Other horse races everywhere, don't even see -0.5% of the attention the Kentucky Derby brings. So yes its very important, that we see Rich Strike in the Preakness. He will be there.

[@jessicab3195]

Love this. CONGRATULATIONS

[@rosekinnison4724]

so happy. for you and your entire I hope that Rich Strikes takes you all the way to the Triple Crown

[@rug3308]

God bless you deserve it, the Rich Strike ran out of love for all of you, the treatment and love shown this horse, fired up its spirit, Rich Stike flew!!!

[@maheshmaheshgowda312]

Rich strike won Rich odds too 80/1.. Really a Richest Horse in comming derby

[@jamesharris8541]

Love your attitude & congratulations !!!

[@vickitaylor2820]

big congrats it couldn't happen to a better person

[@bobcarlsson4]

Why did the rest of the field just open up a lane? Seems counter intuitive for the field to go wide when there is room closer to the rail where the distance is less.

[@davesaub6562]

Because it's a 20 horse race and normally the rail is clogged. It just opened perfectly for him, the fast start spread out the field and eliminated a bunch of horses, then he got an opening to get past the horse falling back on the rail and it was clear sailing. Normally their is just too much traffic inside.

[@kendellsmith104]

It’s a possibility in a game of odds

[@TonicYellow19]

Cause they thought they had it bagged. They thought wrong. Lol

[@montanawarren8462]

After the fastest quarter-mile "ever" in the Kentucky Derby those horses were starting to tire and running on riverbottom Sand is not easy it cups out with a lot of horses like spinning your wheels in the mud or sand and they get tired and drift out...

[@andrewbrewer7702]

@@montanawarren8462 "Sprinters drift" and no one saw him coming...

[@theboxingscience5930]

Who knew before the race this horse broken it maiden by 15 lengths.

[@enderperdomo]

Second VENEZUELAN jockey won the derby, the first one was another surprise riding CAÑONER II in 1971

[@lennysolano]

Yeah Cañonero II with Gustavo Avila won 1971( Kentucky Derby, and Preakness but lost the last one at the Belmont in New York.

[@JoeyMrTurbo]

What a difference between him and Baffert!

[@marycarlin1911]

Rich strike runs like Secretariat

[@jimmyjohnson7883]

Sounds like the making of a movie.

[@anthonya2349]

Not one person asks him about Rich Strike trying to savage the lead pony after the race.

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

Lol, he could have ran around the track again

[@stephaniedipaolo4624]

They touched on that in part one

[@anthonya2349]

@@stephaniedipaolo4624 thx.

[@anthonya2349]

@@Johnny53kgb-nsa Generally, every horse I saw savage another regressed significantly (Firenzi Fire the latest). This may be a different situation being it wasn't done during the running of the race. Was just curious if anything was mentioned because he did go after the lead pony pretty severely.

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

@@anthonya2349 The trainer said he thought Rich Strike maybe was thinking he was still racing, and needed to get by the outrider's horse, but was being held back.

[@user-wt2zg2sh2w]

Joe sharp had a bad couple weeks. Nice claim Eric congrats!

[@RonniReMIX]

Good guys finish first... * Dreams do come true!

[@Djm9393]

Does Rich Strike horse have an official instagram he needs one ?

[@nicktecle2959]

What a classy trainer, for being happy for Rich Srike's grooms. After winning so many races I never heard big shot, I mean BIG SHIT trainers like Baffert....etc.. mentioning their grooms after winning millions of dollars races.

[@montanawarren8462]

Class will tell, s h i t does smell and water seeks its own level.... these are The Facts of Life

[@mattm8932]

Then you haven’t listened. Baffert praises his people all the time.

[@montanawarren8462]

@@mattm8932 Baffert like Trump got woked and then canceled no one is allowed a jury anymore and especially in the state of Kentucky you seen that with the stewards decision on Maximum Security they wouldn't even have an interview afterwards....

[@penelopelopez8296]

Cool!

[@tjpopsit]

PACE MAKES THE RACE 😀

[@jackwoods9604]

Sure you can say the Horse has been improving with Distance...But the Derby is not 3 Miles it is a 1 1/4 and 19 other Horses in the race and Good Horses...Strike Rich did NOT Figure in the Derby but this is why Races are run cause ya never know...Lets see if he is Legit and runs well during rest of Crown...Would not be surprised if he Flopped in the Preakness

[@jakreu]

He might because he's a long distance horse. Belmont will suit him much better. But why so negative?

[@lizpadilla3292]

It depends on how the horse comes out of the race. They are true believers on what is right for the horse. There is a long list of winners of the Derby who do not win the Preakness even great horses.

[@jackwoods9604]

@@jakreu "Maybe" the Horse just loves Churchill...Although was a cheap maiden claimer race he did win that race at Churchill by 17 lengths...Not trying to be negative at all

[@myroselle6987]

That, obviously could happen. But, from May 7th, 2022 until the end of time, ‘Rich Strike’ will always be the 80 to 1 shot horse that won the 2022 Kentucky Derby. And that is close to a miracle right there.

[@montanawarren8462]

@@jackwoods9604 you may be right he might just love Churchill Downs That Old River Bottom sand is detrimental to a lot of horses, Skipaway for example that was the only race track he never win on it cups out with them, it is especially bad in the fall meet cuz they don't dare tighten it up like they do for the Derby cuz if it freezes then they wouldn't be able to race over it when the weather is bad....it had rained on it and after rain that's the tightest it's going to be

[@CC-xn5xi]

Keen Ice's son.

[@pk7422]

What a horse!!!

[@boswindle9050]

Lol so they might not even run in the Preakness

[@Einalem9929]

Ellis park is in Henderson KY not Evansville Indiana .Get it right .Take it to the bank .I was born in Henderson Ky

[@jamessills5802]

Then the only horse with a chance for a triple crown skips the Preakness, chickenstuff.

[@ryanmozert]

stun gun used on 16th. a jigger gun

[@Angel-AbC9]

People in today's time are so blind by these fake sports.

[@TonicYellow19]

Excuse me.... what do you mean? Thank you.

[@Angel-AbC9]

@@TonicYellow19 can't explain its to much for your brain to over sudden hear the truth.