Rich Strike’s Trainer Reacts To Kentucky Derby Win: ‘He’s America’s Horse’

Eric Reed, trainer of Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike, joins TODAY to celebrate the win that shocked the world. Reed touches on the storybook underdog victory, and shares how the horse brought his family “out of a really dark time” after a tragic barn fire and death of his grandson.
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#RichStrike #KentuckyDerby #HorseRacing

[@mansoormela6998]

I am from Pakistan, have watched ky derbys for the last 40 years. He is the world's Horse.

[@Whimsical_Wraith_16]

This gives me goosebumps. Especially when he said; "Oh dad, we're gonna win the Derby." What a magical moment for the horse, jockey, trainer and the rest of the team. They seem so proud of Richie and his accomplishment at Churchill Downs.

[@terinash609]

You got to love Eric. He is so humble. He says everyone contributed. This win didn’t happen over night. It is years and years of great horse people working for this win !

[@williamgrahjones6159]

Can you try yours

[@cranmer1959]

Yes but without that jockey it would not have happened either.

[@angaeltartarrose6484]

This whole team are astonishing. Good people.

[@birchandmorley]

In this case it was month's since Rich Strike's owner purchased him last fall for $30k, they trainer noticed this horse had something - so they started entering him in races

[@christophergargaro959]

How can you not love this guy? Extremely experienced and knowledgeable but so humble and soft spoken. One of those people you want to see do well.

[@victoriarodriguez4552]

Sonny León thank you for your Victory for our country, God bless you and Viva Venezuela 🇻🇪 🙏 ❤

[@alexgreham7865]

Hello 👋 how are you doing today

[@danielcook2430]

BEST KENTUCKY DERBY I HAVE WATCHED IN MY 60 YEARS, I 🙏 HE WINS THE TRIPLE 👑.

[@angaeltartarrose6484]

Secretariat style

[@ryw9410]

He's not racing in the Preakness sadly

[@darensmith6705]

Horses can be very healing! This whole country needs healing!!!! 🥰🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎

[@terinash609]

Non horse people do not realize the strength and power of a thoroughbred race horse. Also when they are in race mode they are transfixed on getting ahead of the horse in front of them. I am so glad Eric explained Richie’s behavior. Also can you imagine the noise and energy coming from that crowd ? That would only amp Richie up more. Thank God for that experienced out rider. I hope he heals quickly. A horse bite can get nasty. The jabs he threw at Richie would not hurt Richie at all. It was to get his attention and get him to follow the commands of the jokey. Congratulations to all involved in Rich Strike winning the Kentucky Derby. For those people who know nothing about horse, especially high bred thoroughbreds don’t judge the actions of these professional horse people.

[@walterburger5281]

Do you think that the horse understands that he won the race?

[@virtualcowgirl3922]

​@@walterburger5281 Yes they do. I've been around horses all of my life, they are highly intelligent creatures. When Secretariat ever lost a race his groom Eddie Sweat spoke about how "Red," as he was affectionately known as, would go to the back of the stall and stare at the corner. The next time he would win a race and set a new track record. Thoroughbreds are magnificent animals. I've been watching these horses now for 19 years and they are incredible.

[@walterburger5281]

@@virtualcowgirl3922 Thank you for that.

[@angaeltartarrose6484]

He had enough jazz & heart, he wanted to keep running!

[@Purplenpinkk]

My husband comes from a horse family. They had race horses and retired race horses on the farm he grew up on. They had one retired race horse that if he heard anything that resembled the sounds of a race starting he would take off like a shot. Even retired, he still had that instinct.

[@bjarskiweber]

I can't stop watching this win, I'm so happy for all those involved and what a class act Eric is!

[@alexgreham7865]

Hello 👋 Brenda

[@angaeltartarrose6484]

Fun to watch like ol' Big Red was!

[@falconward6757]

I've encountered the same reaction in a number of vids and comments re: "can't stop watching this". One guy said he put the race on "loop" mode and just sat and watched it repeat over and over. I have to admit I've watched it at least 10X myself LOL

[@sergbustam]

After all the tragic adversity he went thru , does anybody deserve this huge success more than Eric Reed and his team ? Very happy for them and by the way , I have a huge hunch that Rich Strike will win the Triple Crown ! !

[@myroselle6987]

Wouldn’t that be amazing? I hope you’re right. It’s just what we need in this country right now. A hopeful story about a good horse and a group of truly good people. But, whatever happens Richie will always be the $30.000.00 claimer who was an 80 to 1 shot and won the 2022 Kentucky Derby. And that right there is enough to help us remember never to give up because anything is possible. WOW!!!

[@VoidedSpace]

Still cannot believe it, such an incredible story overall

[@catheriam1945]

Praise for trainer Eric Reed using "love ... of these horses" as motivation through significant and distressing personal challenges, to keep him and this crew going. I have seen many trainer and owner interviews throughout the years and too few use "love" in the winning circle.

[@jodyherr3249]

Glad he cleared up the situation after the race. The horse was still in race mode, and you gotta do what you gotta do. Congratulations to all, and best wishes for the Preakness!

[@meaneymouse1371]

Yep I 👀 him going kinda CrayCray. Now we know.

[@TWBlack]

If you look at Richy when he gets ready to pass the other horses he made a sidelong glance towards the other horses that just said.."I'm coming through and there's nothing you can do to stop me"!!! I LOVED IT😍😍😍

[@swflmotorsportsfan6667]

I saw that too! 👊🏻🔨🐎

[@lskshmariemostolesdhksks9719]

jejeje ❤❤😊😊

[@leahsymanski]

You don't have to have the best horse, just the best horse on that day. I hope Rich Strike has many more wins to come.

[@lskshmariemostolesdhksks9719]

Yes ,Amen ...Rich Strike's win again and HEALTHY stronger..🙏🏻🙏🏻🤲🤲💪💪💪

[@nancyanderson6741]

What a race! Brought tears to my eyes how that horse 🐎 caught up!

[@alexgreham7865]

Hello 👋 Nancy

[@kathleenharris3403]

So thrilled to see a longshot and near miss even getting in the race. Beautiful horse too! 🐎 ❤🏆This man, couldn't have happened to a more deserving man.

[@seabiscuit6776]

I love this guy!!

[@carriedawsongordon5117]

This year’s derby shows once the elite is out of the way, the little guy can win. This is the hope in life i needed at this moment. As so many others do as well.

[@biff5856]

Little guy? The horse was claimed off of Calumet farm for 30k. To me that's a good chunk of change on spec. E.g. the horse falls down and breaks a leg three steps out of the gate. You're still out that 30k. Kudos for the trainer that saw the horse's potential. He deserves the credit.

[@alexgreham7865]

Hello 👋

[@carriedawsongordon5117]

@@biff5856 i meant the little guy as the the “little” guy. Obviously he can do it. The “little” that everyone overlooked because he didnt come from bob baffert or the ones that have the clout.

[@biff5856]

@@carriedawsongordon5117 I agree. Compared to the Sheiks and ball player owners they are "little". I was a race tracker years ago. I bought a yearling for $1,200 from a F/T mixed sale. . He turned out to be a runner and made and made $55, 000 out of a handful of starts. He was claimed for $30k and never ran again. I did everything myself self except gallop him and hired a trainer to saddle him. I couldn't afford trainers fees, etc. Now that's poor to me.

[@angaeltartarrose6484]

I hear you, & i felt the same way about this horse-race. Good stuff. Great story.

[@catsin5244]

Eric, YOU ROCK!!!

[@gladysvogel9442]

Really appreciate Erik's down to earth demeanor! Congrats to Rich Strik' s Team and sending Prayers for a quick recovery for the injured person...God Bless ❤

[@oiaiofoster4775]

Congratulations to him and Everyone that's involved with This Remarkable Horse🙇🏻‍♀️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💕💕💕❤❤❤ Thank God For Animals!!!

[@m.nonymous5173]

It was a good jockey.. He wove his way thru the horses because of the Rider!!!!

[@thedumbapple2339]

Yes, America's horse!!! This story is so much fun! :)

[@earthworld9]

I live nowhere near Kentucky, I knew nothing about horse 🐎 racing but this is all everyone is talking about. From the coffee shop to the barbershop I couldn't excape it so I watched the replay and I LOVED it. Shout out to the jockey, Rich strike, the owner. I love a good underdog or should I say under horse story. 🏆

[@joethomas9574]

From last to first, unbelievable run!!!

[@carolmiller5713]

Watching the race (a few times) I thought the jockey was masterful putting Rich Strike in position for the final move. You can see Richie peek to the right looking at the 2 horses ahead of him then turn his head back forward as if to say "I got this" as he kicked into gear for the win! 🏇

[@Fortunately8]

So nice to hear you guys giving credit to the Jockey Sonny

[@jenniferfowler4011]

I’m so glad this trainer let everyone know that the lead horse rider did nothing wrong. People who know nothing about horses shouldn’t bash a horsemen! This pony was very excited and in race mode. A horse bite is no joke! My sister got her ear bit off by a horse. The lead rIder was trying keep the horse the rider and everyone else safe.

[@michaelcooke8989]

So sorry to hear that I left the track 9 yrs ago but I still have 4 major horse bite scars on me the one that I'm so glad was my right nipple that was missed by an inch but the bite on my chest. Those are battle scars that I still have. Two on my back and one to the side cheek .

[@That50sGirl]

This is exactly how I felt, happy to hear someone else say it.

[@kimiivon1015]

Has Peta seen this clip?

[@thecore477]

I am from Venezuela and I am writing from Venezuela. I have seen that in no comment they mention the Venezuelan jockey Sonny Leon, I know that the race was made by the horse but I think that the jockey has part of that credit, but I imagine that if he had been from the United States They would name him a little more, that's my opinion, but they should also honor the rider, he is the one who guides the horse in the race and the one who encourages the horse to continue. Greetings from Venezuela.

[@montanawarren8462]

you've got to remember they didn't mention the horse till the last couple jumps before the wire so the jock really shouldn't feel alone....him and the horse together were forgotten!!!!!

[@sandraciarmella924]

Awesome Race! Awesome trainer and Awesome jockey! Great supportive owner! All of it made a great race and winner!

[@Smile-uwokeup-2day]

Congrats to Rich strike n jockey soni n trainer n owner n connections here amazing run here .

[@richardcoreno]

Hollywood could not have scripted a more sensational sports story.

[@titasantiniE]

The Jockey was incredible. Rich is amazing.

[@angaeltartarrose6484]

The horse has heart, & loves to run! Good sign! His color & racing style reminds me of Big Red.

[@shannanbegley8189]

Unbelievable race!

[@darensmith6705]

MARYLANDER here! Love Rich Strike! He is a real sweetheart! And he seems to be very well taken care of by his trainers!!!! Way to go! Good luck in the Preakness!!!! 🥰🥰🥰🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🦌🐎🐎🐎

[@gramsjiggy8378]

As you watch the race Rich Strike looks over at the other horses in the first pass an he looks over at the final two horses as if to say I’m winning this race boys an sets his head straight forward at the end an won it What an Epic Epic Epic Race CONGRATULATIONS 🎈🎊🍾🎉 RICH STRIKE AN YOUR WHOLE TEAM THATS BEHIND YOU ♥️🌹🌹🌹♥️

[@Heidi328]

Oh my gosh yes!! I was like look at him looking at the other two!! He knows!!

[@myroselle6987]

I noticed that too. I thought it was just me. I love it🐴🌹!

[@joeybarrelwilde]

Gorgeous horse!

[@falconward6757]

WOW - 100 years of horse training experience between Eric and his dad. Now that's invaluable wisdom, that comes only with all the wins and losses, highs and lows from that many years of experiencing the very demanding world of horse raising and racing!

[@jesusgirl682]

What an absolute class act. Rich Strike reminds me so much of Seabiscuit, and this story needs to be made into a movie also. An incredible win for everyone involved!!

[@angaeltartarrose6484]

Big Red. Secretariat. Also loved to run last to first.

[@jackbatts1074]

Congratulate,,,,what a great win for us regular Joe's,,,,what a great horse and jockey combination

[@lk29392]

Hollywood owes us this movie

[@myrticehamilton2280]

It was like watching a jockey masterclass, the best ride I’ve ever seen , just perfect

[@kristiross2387]

Thank you for such a wonderful interview!

[@alexgreham7865]

Hi 👋

[@tasha5432]

I’m crying. Love ❤️ what a touching interview. Bless this man and this amazing journey. Thank you for sharing these moments with us.

[@myrticehamilton2280]

My favorite ride by a jockey. Weaving , finding the seams . All class great ride Sonny Leon !!!

[@michellesouthflorida9682]

what a great story! great horse, jockey and team.

[@susanfisher336]

Yay for the underdog!! Or should I say "underhorse" 😁

[@alexgreham7865]

Hello 👋 how are you doing today

[@juliaweber212]

Wow this horse and rider will not be forgotten

[@kathysmith1656]

Congratulations!!!!!

[@alexgreham7865]

Hello 👋 how are you doing today

[@carolynhooper7185]

Bless him father he's lost alot..of love ones...

[@swflmotorsportsfan6667]

Very happy for Eric Reed and Rich Strike and all involved with the win! Very good explanation of Rich Strike after the race. "RS was ready for another lap!" Very good job of the out rider! If RS got loose, he'd be downtown River City and probably injured. America's horse :-)

[@wyattcreighton8212]

Just felt like running!

[@myroselle6987]

What a lovely gentleman and a wonderful story. Brilliant..

[@lifeisgood3087]

Sonny Leon Venezuelan hero. 🇻🇪🇺🇲🐎🐎💪💪

[@jeffreywells3884]

Man when he got to the rail just before the homestretch, could not help but think of Mine that bird back in 09. Run up on the rump of one last horse, no panic, get outside just a bit and spend everything you got left. Great run by both horse and jock. Congrat's to all involved.

[@adelebz7]

What a beautiful 🐎, 😍 💖

[@spudnikrip]

He moved the horse to the crowd like a delivery person on a busy New York Street or walkway.

[@alexgreham7865]

Hello 👋 how are you doing

[@angaeltartarrose6484]

Leone drove like in a sports car.

[@Roni62]

I've watched the race 20 times because it's so unbelievable! Congratulations guys!

[@biff5856]

Congrats to the trainer for claiming R.S. for $30k. He deserves a ton of credit for doing his homework.

[@xiaocui01]

Love the team

[@littlesister7021]

I was praying for The Lord to bless the right horse to win The 148th Kentucky Derby, and The Lord sure did. Congratulations Rich Strike for also being the 2nd in history to win The Kentucky Derby with longest odds, behind Donerail who won the Derby in 1913 at 91-1. See you at The Preakness. God Bless You!

[@ramen6959]

Congrats 👏

[@travisfadness1208]

I'd like to give that horse a big kiss !! Lmao ! Way to go Rich Strike !!

[@andrenewcomb3708]

What a handsome, young man he is.

[@thomremington27]

fantastic horse...but...if not for the expert DRIVER on his back, it would have been a different outcome ...excellent jockey ..!!

[@vernwallen4246]

Is the USA ready for a triple crown winner?YES,YES.🗽👍🐴

[@elainesoukup4087]

🤗❤️🏆🐎🏆❤️🤗. Great informative interview about Rich Strike and his trainer Eric! 🤗❤️❤️🐎🐎❤️❤️🤗

[@davidmotyka2708]

Wow what a great horse.

[@CaptainMir]

Congrats 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@jeanannharry3328]

I am looking forward to seeing the movie about this moment.

[@silverpurkat]

The next Seabiscuit! The workman’s horse! Amazing! I am not crying.... I swear those darn onions!

[@MsRollingstone11]

I don't know Willie, Sonny sure made a great ride, but after watching the race several times, it looked to me like it was the horse who decided to win!

[@carolynhooper7185]

Wasn't magic ...was a blessing for this . Man...

[@user-eb3pr3em1h]

Фантастика!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️🐴🐎❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@tiersaaebi1691]

The feisty horses are the best horses

[@donnettekalawan155]

Mannnn I was screaming so much watching this you would think I had a bet on RICH STRIKE

[@fungusrumpus]

I love it!

[@bobsled4883]

What a Great Story... Let's see It Go thru ... I enjoy the hay burners

[@f.scott.fitzbeagle]

Democracy making a comeback. Go Richey!

[@lbarney56]

Thank you Mr. Reed for explaining what was going on with the outrider! Nothing like a bunch of ignorant people to create a mountain out of a molehill! God Bless You and Your Barn🙏🙏

[@alphaomegastables]

Sorry to inform you...but..thats NOT NORMAL BEHAVIOR...IM WAITING FOR THE DRUG TESTS RESULTS!!

[@fetaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

@@alphaomegastables 🤓"IM WAITING FOR THE DRUG TEST RESULTS!!" bro get a life

[@tracypruitt1188]

@@alphaomegastables 40 years of being around horses in racing, breeding, rodeo and ranching and it is 100 % common. Anyone tells you different they know less than nothing about horses.

[@montanawarren8462]

@@alphaomegastables Well you'll be waiting a long time here that won't happen with this trainer & his people....

[@knightriderexplorer335]

BET HE WILL RUN AGAIN NOW. AND HE WILL BE THE FAVORITE TO WIN IT ALL

[@garthgaspar7216]

That right there is how you keep it classy!

[@kimjolo2582]

Never give up people!

[@johng3508]

A movie will come out of this watch people…🎉

[@ryw9410]

"Rich Strike is a Manitoban once-removed. His mom is Gold Strike, a thoroughbred mare born in 2002 just southwest of Winnipeg in the tiny community of Brunkild." "We've never had a horse connected to Manitoba even run in the Derby, so this is as close as it gets. To have the mother of the Kentucky Derby winner, I can't even begin to tell you how rare that is [for Manitoba]," said Dunn.

[@leonardsupchak545]

This race reminded me of Mine that Bird

[@donnacsuti4980]

Interesting about the end after the race struggle. What happened to the tradition of bringing a stable mate friend horse to the race to go out with the horse to the gate and meet up after to go back to the barn with. Often not a race horse just some nice calm tempered horse often being ridden by one of the grooms. It seemed to be less problematic when that was done since the race horse would not be thinking uh oh here comes some more racing competition but instead would be thinking ah my old friends must be time to go rest. Apparently Richie thought the other horse was a continuation of the race so resented the guy grabbing his bridle.

[@6699230]

After the race ended, I wondered to myself "why is the rider taking so long to dismount"? & "when is he going to the scales"? Now I know!😊

[@montanawarren8462]

Be a writer made the mistake of not grabbing the horse by his bit and bridle instead of the end of the shank and then he Yanks on his mouth horribly didn't show much experience to me. ..

[@charlesalee]

Good Stuff 👍🏼 finally not fake news.

[@montanawarren8462]

And no Wok/cancel culture....thank God

[@montanawarren8462]

And no Wok/cancel culture... thank God

[@andrewarmstrong5153]

America loves an underdog here he is go again win the Preakness but he won't be 80-1

[@perrymitchell5502]

Good job

[@45bohemian]

Lmao.. he was in killer mode

[@stewartbuford9033]

❤️🙏🏽❤️

[@cmgrimmace]

Russell Crowe needs to play him in the movie when its made.

[@dii392]

The jockey or the horse?

[@montanawarren8462]

@@dii392 LOL!

[@olib2336]

So Rich Strike was acting up on the way to the Winner's Circle because he was still in race mode … a good omen for Belmont, the longest leg of the Triple Crown, where so many promising Triple Crowners fell short?🤞🏾

[@psychicwoman]

Quintessential 💯🇺🇸🌹🌎🌍🌏

[@catherinebreitfeller669]

He’s a good horse. Time will tell the rest 😉😉

[@alexgreham7865]

Hello 👋 Catherine

[@alanalan-uc4zb]

the father of rich strike is keen ice. the mother of rich strike is gold strike. his grandfathers are curlin and smart strike. all 4 were very good race horses. still cannot believe calumet farm put him in a $30,000 claiming race (his second race) as a 2 year old after finishing last the race prior (his first race). i am sure reed was following him since he was a baby. good for dixon junior, leon, reed and dawson. reed is the mastermind behind rich strike. he is surrounded by many solid people. it is good to hear that reed cares more about the health of a horse versus profit. rich strike is such a beautiful powerful horse. america needs this fairy tale story to continue.

[@moncorp1]

Don't discount that jockey. He knew exactly how to ride that horse.

[@K9COP282]

Somebody wanna let ol Willie know that horse's name is " Rich Strike " and NOT ' Quick Strike "

[@KingJesusPaidForSins]

❤️‍🔥🐎❤️‍🔥🐎❤️‍🔥✨