Kentucky Derby Post Race Press Conference

Comments from the connections of 2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike, including trainer Eric Reed and jockey Sonny Leon.

[@otoepony5813]

It’s a rare and beautiful thing to see such humbleness. I’m dumbfounded at how close they came to not getting in but I’m particularly awestruck at Sonny Leon’s ride and how Rich Strike responded. Sonny Leon your world just expanded immensely. Everybody knows who you are now. What a ride and ooohhh WHAT A HORSE!!!! Rich Strike you amazing wonder. Such heart and determination and true grit and I’m thrilled I got to witness it. I love that trainer Eric Reed and owner Richard Dawson believe in putting their horses health first and it paid off. This entire team from horse, rider, owner and trainer has a back story but now they are Kentucky Derby Champions. I’m willing to bet even D. Wayne Lucas had a smile on his face after the race. POETIC!!!!! This entire story…. Absolutely POETIC.

[@miapjo12]

What a beautiful acknowledgment Bravo!

[@aelee9024]

@@miapjo12 and in response to Lesa DeRoin--I agree with M3's comment and Mr/Ms DeRoin, I am stunned at your elegant and gracious statement regarding the people who worked their behinds off to get here and the horse who has some kind of magic in his big heart. You said it all and your statement brought tears to my eyes. I held my breath most of the race becos I knew I was witness to something special. Thank you for what you wrote. Your words left a lovely memory of a great experience.

[@gherron2011]

I'm just now seeing this race on KZbin and This horse reminds me of Secretarian (Big Red) I love that story and movie💞Secretarian and his owners had a tough time too, but made HISTORY.

[@davidthompson62]

@@gherron2011 The real story of Secretariat was his own, mrs Chanery-Tweedy who was going through so much difficulty in her life at the time. She never talked about it but the family was facing major tax problems at the time of her fathers death and her siblings wanted to sell the whole stable piece-meal. Then Secretariat comes along, she sells breeding shares in him totaling 6 million,THEN the race before The Derby, Secretariat comes in 4th at Yhe Wood Memorial. Can you imagine the pressure that must have been on the poor woman??

[@gherron2011]

@@davidthompson62 Yes'Sir, an amazing testimony 💞the owners of rich Strike has a great testimony and both had a brilliant ending🙏💞🌎

[@johnflynn9619]

This is a Feel Good Story. Sonny is a New Riding Star. Eric is Magic. Rick is Pure Class.

[@elaineacosta5356]

Great, Good, Solid! This is a good theme for a Cinderella movie, from beginning to end 😀.P.S. To all conecctions, God Bless you all, luck always. E.A.

[@elaineacosta5356]

None.

[@christianfernandez2691]

Yeah, Salute!!!

[@serge2007]

RED SEA MOMENT

[@louisetrimble3490]

This whole crew is a testament to the power of operating from the heart instead of the ego. Yes, racing has a lot of ego. But this team displays the least I've seen from Derby winners and I've seen a lot of them in my time. I even knew Secretariat the summer I galloped horses at Arlington. His groom was one of the finest I ever knew. Trainers and owners can take a lesson here about truly putting the horse first, even if it's used as a tool. It's a living being and will respond to the energy put in. God bless these men and their magnificent horse!

[@patcummings201]

The Race was AMAZING! So HAPPY for all of you!

[@Mako-uw1cm]

We’ll said sir… agreed. Nothing but the best of luck to these gentlemen, from the owner, trainer & jockey… down to earth, good people all the way around.

[@upstatebernie4827]

Well said 👏

[@kellyl7602]

Wow, what great energy. Love for all of these people and the example they show humanity.

[@aelee9024]

Thank you so much for your kind words about this unusual group . You went to the heart of the matter. The racing business which I have not one thought about isn't just the tool or the method it is the living breathing, pulsing of blood in the vein life. Thank you for saying this for those of us who are tongue tied.

[@jupeter24]

that's so sweet, I loved when the trainer thanked his two assistants that passed. They all seem so humble, can't think of a better group to win.

[@mrkeno1000]

These are real down to earth people no narcissism no ego just hard working people who were given the moment of a lifetime good for them congrats

[@svaught1]

It’s refreshing how humble this team is. They are giving props to each person involved. There is love there. Also when the trainer said the horses come first, that sealed my respect for these gentlemen.

[@RobertoPradoF]

Congrats to all the Rich Strike team! Not only Rich Strike came from last to first, but, after watching the press conference, I realized the same happened with the trainer, the jockey and the owner. On top of that, Rich Strike was accepted at the last moment! This race will be remembered as one of the most memorable in the history of the Kentucky Derby and horse race sports. But wait... there are still more surprises ahead: Preakness and Belmont Stakes! PD: Finally, my congrats to Sonny León, fellow venezuelan citizen. We are very proud of you!

[@jamesdaniels1191]

At the end of the day, which horse was the fastest? Please, spare some time to look over carefully the positional weight transfer when he realized THERE WAS AN OPENING? Jockeys must know how to create "weightlessness " when going FLATOUT.

[@ForeverFREE2024]

I agree with you, I had never seen anything like this in all the years I've been alive, what happened yesterday in Kentucky is historic, a truly incredible race.

[@rokyericksonroks]

Leon did a great job. Congrats for winning this thing.

[@serge2007]

@@jamesdaniels1191 RED SEA MOMENT - It's happened before

[@lizzihunt1167]

shows poor Rich Strike's abuse on the race track. I was excited watching the race but now I'm shocked at the way he has been treated and yes lets wait for the insurance claims. Poor horse. kzbin.info/www/bejne/inmup4xsoK99bdU

[@evertsroman1328]

Proud moment for my country Venezuela and USA🙌🏽

[@al6369]

Sonny is a testament to the quality people.

[@runninrebel1520]

Viva Venezuelan 🤜🏼🤛🏼 juntos

[@marjolewis9405]

I loved seeing his wife and daughter, just beautiful people.

[@grgoldner]

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

[@RoccyKennelsTrueGameDogs]

I see he still has a hater 🙄 let him win damn can't be happy nowhere gosh

[@themightyredemption]

@@RoccyKennelsTrueGameDogs hater? He was talking about the incredible jump from the outhouse to the penthouse.

[@johnflynn9619]

He proved he belongs with the Best. He is Brilliant. Fantastic Ride.

[@guayames]

This is one of the best feeling good stories as a sports fan ever!

[@metrocomoj]

I lost my Big Bet but this Horse Surpasses a Walt Disney expectation! Trainer overcomes a big barn tragedy, Congratulations on the Trainer, the Dad's trainer, the Owner, the Jockey and the Horse. Well done Gentlemen! May you go on to win the Triple Crown. Just getting into the race was a story by itself. Just Incredible. A real Cinderella story.

[@K2mtp]

I have only been following horse racing for a little over a year. All of the bad press and turmoil this is the best thing to happen for this sport. I am not even upset I lost yesterday. Horse racing won!

[@maryreiners2245]

This will make an EPIC movie.

[@davidthompson62]

That’s what makes horse racing so special. Beautiful animals and on any given day you might see something special….and Rich Strike did it today along with his jockey, trainer and owner. Reminds me of Secretariat flying at The Belmont or Dr. Fagar’s record breaking mile at Washington park handicap with over 130 pounds on his back. I still believe the last was the most unbelievable thing I witnessed at a track.

[@susanaldridge2000]

Don’t forget the grooms

[@mikeyates7931]

Sonny Leon rode a race for the ages ! Like if , Bill Shoemaker and Calvin Borrel had a son ! !

[@davidthompson62]

A hell of a race. But he rode it smart getting his horse to the rail saving ground while the leaders were burning each other out with that blistering pace.He also got a bit lucky that he got through the traffic on the back turn with just one horse in front of him. He also didn’t get pinned to the rail. It’s difficult to cut a horse out the send him off but this horse still gad it in the tank. Very impressive! The Preakness is and always will be the test of Champions because of the tracks layout. Let see if he has it!

[@jessicadubois9945]

Totally!

[@pamelawoodall5891]

I loved Calvin !

[@pamelawoodall5891]

Calvin liked the rail !

[@alm2122]

The whole crew is a class act. I love it. Congrats to all connections. That is a race that can be rewatched and never get old

[@davidheilman1928]

I did NOT want this to end. What a team!

[@aelee9024]

So very much in agreement. I liked that at every question about "tomorrow" each one said no, Now--tomorrow will be what it will be.

[@richarddietzen3137]

What a tale! Nice people, good teamwork, loyalty, strong jockey strategy, love for horses and abundant humility. All the best!

[@jburr3468]

I love how proud Sonny was when he spoke about his family. He lit up! And he is one of the most humble people I have ever seen. What an incredible and classy team and THAT HORSE- WOW! I’ve never paid much attention to horse racing and now I’m hooked.

[@Daniel-oz5xj]

Yeah, me too

[@saraholivares5156]

Si am i

[@lizzihunt1167]

shows poor Rich Strike's abuse on the race track. I was excited watching the race but now I'm shocked at the way he has been treated and yes lets wait for the insurance claims. Poor horse. kzbin.info/www/bejne/inmup4xsoK99bdU

[@chassmith8779]

A TRUE AMERICAN STORY !! The Story is SO American just like American Pie !!! Mr. Reed Almost lost everything because of a fire and folks jump in and help him recover and he ends up at the Derby and WINS!! A GREAT Jockey from Venezuela rides a gusty race and ONLY in America can this happen and that is why America is GREAT and will always be GREAT. GOD Bless all Americans and GOD Bless Mr. Reed and his family and especially his Father!!

[@QuantumG432]

There needs to be a movie made on this. This was awesome!

[@jburr3468]

I told my family that I wouldn’t be surprised if this is made into a movie in a few years. What an incredible story of each team member and Rich Strike. 🥲

[@QuantumG432]

@@jburr3468 I think I’ve watched Sea Biscuit a hundred times. A lot of similarities to each other.

[@SixStringRacer]

100%

[@tstuartmc]

This was an amazing race - from last place to first place - a race you can watch over and over again - congratulations to all!

[@ForeverFREE2024]

I never get tired of watching this race, I've seen it about 20 times and I still can't believe what happened, this was really incredible, here in Las Vegas, a lot of people lost a lot of money, the house won again.

[@rokyericksonroks]

Epicenter ticket holders do not want to watch this thing 20 times, I know that much.

[@lorid3521]

Beautiful horse race

[@forward_ever_ever2595]

What a moment, i've looked at other videos and everyone in this team is so connected, so simple & humble...down to the groom who is the 4th generation in his family involved with horses. Eric suffered some serious losses in the past 5 years, what a blessing it is to have his dad alive & in good health to bare witness to this major accomplishment. I so want this horse to become a triple crown!

[@bruceheysse4835]

Perhaps the best horse race in my 70+ years I have had the privilege of watching. A heartwarming underdog story with a few chapters yet to be written.

[@ForeverFREE2024]

I think the same as you, I've never seen anything like this.

[@rokyericksonroks]

Strike the Gold sire lineage? Or is Rich Strike an underdog in breed as well?

[@thepupmommy]

I must have watched this Derby at least 50 times, along with all the interviews, and it never gets old. Let's hope this Cinderella story takes the Triple Crown. What an immense, inspirational story this can be for people who, no matter what they do in life, they believe in themselves, play fair, don't forget where they came from, and never give up.

[@myroselle6987]

What a lovely group of people. I’m so happy for them because they deserve all the best. They’ve earned it.

[@lizzihunt1167]

shows poor Rich Strike's abuse on the race track. I was excited watching the race but now I'm shocked at the way he has been treated and yes lets wait for the insurance claims. Poor horse. kzbin.info/www/bejne/inmup4xsoK99bdU

[@diannacarey6508]

Love this derby! Love the horse and jockey. Much congrats!!!!

[@jerryleeelvisberryrichard6247]

Coach Hayden Fry once said, ‘the sun don’t shine on that same ol dog’s rump every day.’ Rich Strike, you are an inspiration!

[@rosekinnison4724]

congrats to all Rich Strike connections. amazing win, he reminded of Secertriat run for the Roses. I hope you go on to win the Triple Crown

[@arturolamas4364]

So proud of our Sonny Leon "viva Venezuela" it was simply amazing. thanks for the happiness.

[@rokyericksonroks]

He did a great job aboard Rich Strike.

[@DB-yk2pt]

How I've always viewed true champions in any sport is that a win of this caliper humbles them rather than inflates them. I think that's the case with all these men. Rich Strike on the other hand , lol , I think he knew it all along. I'm blessed to have been able to witness this historic ( in my opinion) race.

[@lizzihunt1167]

shows poor Rich Strike's abuse on the race track. I was excited watching the race but now I'm shocked at the way he has been treated and yes lets wait for the insurance claims. Poor horse. kzbin.info/www/bejne/inmup4xsoK99bdU

[@josegiron6467]

Most amazing Kentucky Derby race ever!!! Great team. Congratulations!!! I just waiting for the movie!!!

[@ForeverFREE2024]

I think that this race has all the ingredients for a great movie, especially for the loss that the trainer of this fabulous horse suffered in the past, I am still incredulous of what happened. Te aseguro que esa pelicula la veremos muy pronto, lo sucedido en Kentucky ayer fue historico.

[@robertgreen9150]

Watching RICH STRIKE was a real Thrill !! The announcer never even noticed This Winner until it was an obvious duh!

[@jrogers1809]

This is great for the sport…!! Glad to see the results of all their hard work pay off… Congratulations to the whole team..!

[@monetprotege]

I don’t know much at all about horse racing, but I am wowed by how skillful a jockey Sonny Leon is. He had to bide his time boxed in very heavy traffic, but managed to squeeze thru some openings and got his horse to respond with bursts of speed when he did. What nerves of steel.

[@ms.jessadventures]

Rick seems like genuine horseman awesome team 🐎

[@themayorhere6719]

What an incredible team. These lives of these three are forever intertwined, true champions. Congrats to them, their entire team, and of course most importantly Rich Strike!

[@GrizzlyGroundswell]

Class Act all around!

[@shawnsolano888]

Father in law, and brother in law are. Both named Rich. Saturday morning I saw 99-1 and thought that’s the horse. I thought on it for a couple hours and made a $50 bet on 21 to win. I’ve watched the replay 20 times since, triple crown horse! Bet on it!

[@meganhill453]

How much did you win on that 😯

[@sonnestt]

We take care of the horse first.....these are great men 🏇

[@tracyredies5785]

Probably one of the best Derby races I have seen, unbelievable ride by Sonny Leon, unbelievable horse still with a lot of run left in him at the end of the race, reminds me of his grand sire Curlin. Good on you Rich Strike, you were outstanding in the Derby! One thing for sure Rich Strike is never going off at 80 to 1 again in a race.

[@gilbertm.valenzuela2290]

Tears..seeing the love and respect..father-and-son horse trainers..so real people..so sweet..

[@lizzihunt1167]

shows poor Rich Strike's abuse on the race track. I was excited watching the race but now I'm shocked at the way he has been treated and yes lets wait for the insurance claims. Poor horse. kzbin.info/www/bejne/inmup4xsoK99bdU

[@judiechamblee9581]

looks like horse racing is back...good to see hard working honest people from the backside and front side of the track who are the real blood and guts of a great industry that still flourishes in our land...thank you blood horse for this presentation and the team of mr reed and mr dawson who have made racing horses great again .....and may god bless this fabulous horse who loves to run.

[@janetpisani5185]

All are so humble. Great team! Do a story on the groomers please as well. ❤

[@alejandrae5605]

We needed this win! After suffering from all the BS humanity is going though this win was a breath of a fresh air! The underdog was able to show us that everything is possible! Rich Strike and Mr Leon showed us that determination, focus and grit is key to win as an underdog!

[@judithcampbell1705]

I've never seen such humble people who won the Derby. I'm happy for them and their horse. They pulled of a Longshot and won! Just goes to show you that listening to all these people who were placing bets on 'favorites ' doesn't mean crap. Congratulations to all of you ❤ on Rich Strike.

[@jamescolborn5325]

A great sport is a great story with great charachters I been watching races for almost 60 years I took the DRF to school in second grade for show and tell and gave disertation Aplus only A I got teacher was amazed I was fortunate to be raised in a horse racing family Eric reminded me of my Dad who owned some nice horses but he was the most patient man understood the business and was a great example to me is my favorite day of the year what a nice story

[@davidthompson62]

You ever see a trainer, jockey and owner more worthy of winning The Kentucky Derby? (Maybe Penny Chanery, owner of Secretariat).Who would have ever believe it possible? I like betting long shots but I even thought coming out of the 21 gate the horse had no chance. This horse made me a liar today.

[@michaelderamo1866]

He had 1 win in a Maiden Claimer...nobody other than that team on that stage, the women who bet on names & #s, or gamblers who placed a small "bailout" wager on him just in case the miracle happened would have bet this horse otherwise. Don't feel bad, I lost a bundle when he crossed that wire 1st but haven't questioned why I didn't bet him. His obvious lack of class and form plus slow speed figures to anybody who handicaps the races made him a TERRIBLE wager on paper. Honestly, they said he deserved to be 80-1 today and they were half right...he should have been 150-200 to 1 realistically but the odds never get that high in the big races anymore so that wasn't happening. I promise you if he was those odds I wouldn't have been able to avoid a $10 insurance wager on him myself for the hell of it should the race break down like it did. Either way a total joy to watch this post race news conference. Good for all of them and even if he never wins again they are putting his name in the history books as of today. Great stuff!!!

[@davidthompson62]

@@michaelderamo1866 You going to put $10 on him come Preakness time?

[@michaelderamo1866]

@@davidthompson62 Nah why would I do that? He won't be a longshot anymore so I'll pass lol

[@davidthompson62]

@@michaelderamo1866 You think he’s the real deal or was this a fluke? Pimleco is a whole different track with its sweeping turns.

[@michaelderamo1866]

@@davidthompson62 I can never call ANY horse the real deal after just 1 big win sorry. Time will tell but I will say the obvious, that race set up perfectly for a horse with his running style. To his credit he stepped up and ran down horses to that point who were much much better than him so he deserved to win no doubt and nobody should say otherwise. However, like you said, Pimlico much different track and a shorter distance so yea of course he CAN win again but I highly doubt it. I gave him a good hard look Friday night when he drew in off the AE list and I definitely seen the improvement his trainer & jockey were speaking of as the races were getting longer at Turfway this spring. At the same time you still have to conclude, on top of his super low speed figures, his only win was a lowly MdnClm and his big closing kick was coming against lower level competition at Turfway. if Tiz the Bomb and Tawny Port had no chance coming out of those races then how could anyone figure he did realistically speaking...right? Lol

[@curtissnethen3027]

We love the under dog…. We play a big college region baseball game today at 3 in Moore head city, Nc Final 3 of 8 teams. 2nd year college team. Go Cleveland Yetis. Go Rich Strike.

[@kimcissell1905]

Jerry Dixon Jr. deserves credit. He has an amazing bond with that horse/

[@corgisNhorses]

You could tell Jerry is Rich Strike's person; he settled right in for Jerry. Love that bond.

[@badbeatbilly8997]

Well he won't be 80-1 in the Preakness that's for sure

[@judiechamblee9581]

thank you so much for this presentation after the race ..it is most delightful to see the real hard working everyday people of the racehorse world...this team is the best of the best..

[@interstategar]

Rich Strikes time 2 min 2.61 seconds Secretariat's time 1 minute, 59-2/5 seconds. Still the record since 1973. Congrats Rich Strike.

[@michaellebreton4294]

Rich Strike had a longer race to run coming from the far outside in a very large field through heavy traffic . So being close to the greatest horse is an achievement .

[@interstategar]

@@michaellebreton4294. Not really. Secretariat was dead last. He made his run from the outside, and in the stretch ran in the middle of the track to the finish. Watch his Kentucjy Derby. Strike's time wasn't close to Secretariat's in terms of horse racing.

[@KayInMaine]

3 seconds difference?

[@interstategar]

@@KayInMaine yes. The reason Secretariat was so fast is his heart was twice the size of the average race horse. Plus he had very sturdy front legs bones to support his very large body.

[@KayInMaine]

@@interstategar I did read that Secretariat's heart was very large.

[@whatiever282]

best race to watch ever !! grats to all, especially sunny leon, wow wow wow

[@andrewlee5948]

I LOVE this story! Git’r done, boys! Sonny ran ‘em down in masterful fashion. You da man, Sonny!

[@dinoaivaliotis3827]

I love to see a great story when someone holds on to what they believe the impossible can become possible and succeed, it’s priceless!!!! 😂

[@akferren1]

Best race I’ve ever seen.. awesome team congrats!!! Just amazing

[@oscarvivas6858]

This brings me memories of when another Venezuelan Gustavo Avila won the Kentucky Derby with Cañonero

[@ijamsum]

Nothing is impossible but this was a true amazing miracle in front of the whole world ! Follow your love and dreams and never quit until father time tells you too !

[@alanalan-uc4zb]

rich strike is really smart. twice down the stretch you can see him look at the horse he had to catch and he did. i love stories like this. what a beautiful animal.

[@al6369]

I am crying. The win couldn’t be more deserving.

[@bradcrawford1998]

Disney should make a movie out of this story, EPIC. I'd see it FOR SURE! ESPECIALLY with these personalities. You know there's a lot more backstories than just these. BEAUTIFUL, GREAT story. I hope they go for the Triple Crown 🤞

[@michelebergman4336]

It’s a Cinderella Story 🙏

[@realtimegirl]

Sonny Leon really pushed the horse. I don’t know much about horses but you can easily see that Sonny pushed the horse very very hard and the horse responded strongly. It was beautiful to watch. I was mesmerized all evening and tomorrow I will be watching it again.

[@luisenriquechaverocastelln7731]

We need a Movie!!!!!

[@jackgoose]

DEFINITION OF HUMILITY. 🥺

[@peggyjones3282]

This is so great! Now I need to go re- read all the Dick Francis novels. 😆

[@Titter2]

I like how the owner gave so much credit and really appreciates the people around him. He kept patting Sonny on his back and always gave so much credit to everyone. I mean, he should, but I doubt many do like this. They usually just talk about how great their million dollar horse is.

[@johnkleimo3065]

When humans run like distance races in, say the olympics, they go even splits. If the Derby horses had done that it works out to about 24 1/2 seconds per quarter. Instead the leader went the first quarter in a scorching 21.67. Any one within 10 lengths of the leader was going way too fast. If these are the best jockeys I don’t want to even think about average ones.

[@louisetrimble3490]

You are so right and I hope some trainers take heed. It would save a lot of horses for another day

[@alanalan-uc4zb]

this would be like a high school baseball team beating a major league baseball team in a one game tournament. never in my life of 67 years did i ever think this could happen.

[@KpopTata]

Hoy estamos a 13 de mayo y no dejó de ver una y otra vez la carrera. Éste equipo no gano por casualidad, cosecharon lo que sembraron. Dios los Bendiga.

[@carloslewis8448]

This was amazing!!! I am so happy for these guys. They deserved this race. I absolutely love this story!!!!!!

[@vishnusathasivanjoghee]

Rich strike,Sunny Leone,Eric Reed,Richard Dawson and the Kentucky Derby -a good team.

[@marktilley388]

Eric Reed reminds me of my Father Larry Tilley who was a harness racing trainer for 40 years. These guys are an amazing story. I love this story. And hearing now that they are looking after this horse and not racing in the Preakness. Cant wait to see them in the Belmont

[@susanaldridge2000]

Don’t forget the grooms, the Dixon family of 4 generations of racing horses. The grooms live with the horses. Protect them. Guard them. Calm them.

[@luckeyhal1]

he must have like churchill because in his 2nd start of his career he won by 17 lenths

[@pamelamathisyon3588]

Thrilling and uplifting. What a jockey 😍🌹🐎

[@lorid3521]

What a jockey thank you👍and what a horse! Fabulous!

[@charlesmashburn364]

I thought Rick would address what he shared with the interviewer after the race that he told Sonny, "Bring him back in 2:02:06 and we'll win this." When he learned the winning time was 2:02:61 he couldn't believe it.

[@ratso4443]

Such a satisfying win when the horse is so gutsy and connections so likeable. Go Richie!

[@Melissacronnn]

The jockey won that race

[@tj3kidos]

You better believe it just brilliant

[@lorid3521]

Great jockey and ride. WOW!!!

[@A1Fotovids]

When will the movie come out? Please keep the exact story line. It needs no embellishment.

[@ez4me2sa]

Rich Strike STILL the greatest derby win ever. His trainer stated that he made a huge strategic error in the Belmont when he told Sonny Leon to keep Rich away from the inside rail. Richie LOVES the inside...big mistake.

[@matgood6231]

How lovely to see someone that’s not an arrogant rich prick win! Not that I been paying that close attention but I’ve only ever seen owners of horses in this derby before that seem to take all the credit. And that’s just gross. This is a down to earth dude. They’re running this game properly.

[@MrEinstein1999]

What a great team!

[@conniehambrick9421]

What a great press conference. I wish someone had asked if Rich Strike knows he won. Maybe that will be answered sometime in the future.

[@richardcoreno]

Thoroughbred racing's story of the Cinderella Man -- Jeremy Schaap needs to get working on a book draft.

[@MrWiseinheart]

Good story plot for a movie...Father passed trainer knowledge to his son, struggles and sweat than stable barn burns down, trainer doesn't give up, buys a horse considered to be just ok, 80-1 odds, almost didn't make it to the race until someone scratched, humble family man jockey that is not well known is now world famous and finally the outcome of the race that is usually overcompensated in the movies but it really did happen this time around.

[@reytheking]

En Venezuela, los que ibamos al Hipodromo de La Rinconada en los años 70 y veiamos a un jinete, como Sony León, dando fuete al caballo, DECIAMOS: Le dió bastantes palos al caballo para que ganara. Rich Strike, un gran caballo que recibió palos en bruto para ganar. Bravo por Rich Strikes, su jinete Sony León y su entrenador. Felicitaciones.

[@reytheking]

In Venezuela, those of us who went to the La Rinconada Racecourse in the 1970s and saw a rider, like Sony León, whipping the horse, SAID: He gave the horse enough blows to win. Rich Strike, a great horse who took rough sticks to win. Bravo to Rich Strikes, his jockey Sony León and his trainer. Congratulations.

[@chassmith8779]

To piggy back my earlier post. Times are tough for the majority and it’s stories like this that make us dream and make us proud to be an American. There are hundreds of “feel” good stories that take place EVERY day in our country but the news media prefers to print negativity thus convincing a lot of Americans WE are bad people…..WE are NOT bad, WE are GOOD people, all of us….White, Black, Asian, etc. and etc. and WE will NOT allow politicians who have sold their souls to defeat the good.

[@teresamulliken6840]

Sonny, Eric, Rick, and…Rich Strike, just keep being you! Woo-hoo!!

[@aginnaginn5039]

Interviewer: Sonny, you grew into this race very late. What would you have been doing if you weren't racing in this derby? Sonny: I spend time with my family, that's what I'm supposed to do 🔥 Interviewer: What do you think winning today will do for your career? Sonny: I wanna enjoy this moment and we see what happen tomorrow 🔥

[@carriekeays5720]

Rich Strike!!! The name fits him cuz I guarantee some people won a lot of money if they bet on him!

[@bradcrawford1998]

The guy hosting this event did a GREAT job. I guess you wouldnt expect a bad host, I mean it is Churchill Downs, probably the classiest horse track in America 😏

[@alanalan-uc4zb]

this is the best fairy tale that has come around in a while. the world needs more of them.

[@juncas2698]

Just a dream that came true hard work prevailed love that horse true winner with no controversy

[@Smile-uwokeup-2day]

Truly an American story rich strike n jockey sonni Leon trainer n dad n owner here . Eric is so funny congrats

[@yeiazannez8595]

I want to hear from Jerry Dixon Jr, Rich Strike's best friend. The horse just loves 🥰 him.🐎⚘️

[@evinenry8422]

‘It’s a horse race and anyone can win and the tote board don’t mean a thing’ - trainer 21 is 7+7+7 and 777 is a lucky number for these gentlemen now.

[@drunkyunky8307]

Gr8 interview Chris Griffen I believe was in charge of the questions I believe horseracing was the big winner of the day congrats to the connections

[@michaelgannon8812]

I’m so happy for them .

[@kathrynhurst7210]

Love the come from behind Win🌹🌹❤️

[@OWELZIGEN]

This going to be a great movie specially with all this covid thing and not supposed to be in the race but he get in the last minute.

[@lorid3521]

What an awesome Jockey and Horse 🐎🐎🐎

[@bobsled4883]

Nice , Humble Team ... God Has their Backs

[@davidshapiro8049]

It would not have happened at all if it were not for the splendid ride of jockey Sonny Leon!Of course the horse gets all the credit but save some praise for Sonny for the ride of his life.