Trainer Eric Reed's road to the Kentucky Derby winner's circle

To truly appreciate Rich Strike's victory in the Kentucky Derby. You have to understand how far his trainer Eric Reed has come in a short period of time.

[@11matt11]

Just when I thought I saw every angle of this story, this report comes. You hire top quality people Mr Reed, because you are one yourself. How that horse calmed down and looked like a champion after groom Jerry Dixon Jr. arrived, shows you how much that horse was in tune and loves Jerry. I've never seen a horse so in tuned with a groom like that. Yes, it will be hard to win the triple crown with a horse on a 5 week schedule, but if he runs light in the Preakness, I'm putting a lot on him for the Belmont. No matter what, you've won America, and the sports world's heart. Go Rich Strike.

[@mariebarassi6466]

What a wonderful story-I’m not crying, you’re crying.

[@myroselle6987]

It’s beautiful isn’t it?

[@YELLOW08Z06]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@barbarabeagley6650]

So happy for the people surrounding this horse's life. They are the kind of people I want to see movies about. Happy to see Mrs. Reed on camera, I know she's not comfortable with the spotlight. She's real and I like her!

[@keth8947]

I'm so happy with this story. Everything that happened, there's gotta be a movie for this in the works.

[@silverpurkat]

He’s the next Seabiscuit!!

[@ladikmk]

This wonderful horse and his trainer are what dreams are made of. Best of luck to all of you - those Derby roses are well deserved.

[@allysonh6410]

U have no idea what an impact your story is making on a family with a special needs daughter. ❤️ so inspiring. #RichStrikeandfamily❤️

[@AlyRaeKY]

Congratulations!

[@ratso4443]

Big Richie now… love it!

[@TheSavageB]

A dream come true, I wish them the very best and a massive congrats on the Derby win.

[@americanmanstan2381]

Wow, that really is a movie in the making.

[@juliaweber212]

Exactly

[@stlouisix1]

Just tremendous, a miracle for sure! Such a wonderful feel good story about overcoming tremendous odds! Lost track of how many times I've watched this race. Good therapy in these tough times! Thank you, God!

[@yeahiprotest]

Well that’s incredibly sad and horrifying

[@teresawalshe5684]

Made me cry listening to him tell about the horses burning and losing two great friends who convinced him to stay with it😭💔❤️

[@johnfarmer3506]

0:14 3:02 That horse really reacts well with the Groomer. In every shot of him with the horse, he always focuses on the horse and nothing else. After they finished, they should have had him out on a pony for the outside rider. I will say this horse has the fight of a winner in him.

[@chatekumar3157]

Never gave up in life God make a for him through this horse .

[@stephanielanderos4363]

I’m so happy for Reed and his team. They earned that derby win with a long shot. To overcome all of that and stay in it and not give up is a blessing and a story for us to be reminded to never quit know matter what happens or difficult it gets. There is opportunity and hope.

[@MT-if1jr]

Wow!! Thank am so glad Richie won

[@lexyswope]

This event is so inspirational to us all.

[@abcloft302]

Is a hero

[@lindaabe4107]

Eric life is getting better God sent you Richie the best is yet to come for what you have been through the best to your family and team and to Richie he loves you great care for Richie you all will reap God's blessings a great 2023 to you all

[@andreabryan9710]

I cannot stop watching these videos.😮❤❤

[@adammiller6606]

What an amazing story. The racing Gods have spoken. Woo! 🏇

[@jmss1858]

Their sprits were in that horse's victory...

[@revpgesqredux]

I did not know that he was married to John Force's sister!

[@revpgesqredux]

Praying for this family and farm family

[@traceejackson2508]

God is faithful 🙏

[@juliaweber212]

So sad for his loss oh my gosh

[@jayarthur9759]

NEVER GIVE UP THROUGH SAFRICES