Rich Strike
The Storybook Colt
“I can’t believe my luck in acquiring Rich Strike and achieving so much in such a short time in the sport,”
~ Dawson said after winning the Kentucky Derby
Rich Strike, whose nickname is Richie, is the ultimate underdog story. Only in the movies does a horse with 80-to-1 odds win horse racing’s greatest prize - the Kentucky Derby. Rich Strike won the 148th running of the Derby on May 7, 2022, in what was considered one of the deepest fields in recent memory.
Rick Dawson claimed Rich Strike for $30,000 out of a maiden race in September 2021 at Churchill Downs. Over the course of the Derby’s history, Rich Strike is the only horse ever claimed out of a race, to then go on and win the Derby.
Rich Strike is second only to 1913 winner Donerail, who went off at 91–1 odds.
Off the Track
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Training Time.
Currently residing at the beautiful stables at Marguax Farm in Midway, KY, Ritchie is preparing for his daily training with the help of a very talented team.
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Just One?
Whether its peppermints or carrot sticks, Ritchie is rarely satisfied with just one? Pete Sherrow, quite possiblyRitchie’s biggest fan, spends some quality time reminiscing about that amazing day at Churchill Downs.
Clearly, Ritchie is simply focused on the prize in Pete’s hand.
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Tough Enough.
Richie sports a special blanket (2022, NY) to help bring awareness of Tough Enough To Wear Pink - a rodeo & western charity that helps raise awareness and funds for breast cancer.
We later auctioned off the blanket at the Tough Enough To Wear Pink event in Crested Butte, CO., and raised $8,500.
William (Bill) Mott
TRAINER
Bill Mott joined RED TR-Racing in May 2023 to oversee the training of Rich Strike (Richie), the Kentucky Derby Champion #148 (May 7, 2022), once Richie returns to full training in the fall of 2023.
Mott is a Hall of Fame American Thoroughbred horse trainer and considered as one of the best in the world.
Richie working on Sat 10/28/23 @ Margaux Farm in Midway, KY (near Lexington)