Last Saturday, horse racing fans were treated to one of the greatest upsets in racing history. Rich Strike, an 80-1 long shot, came from way behind to win the 2022 Kentucky Derby. With one leg of the Triple Crown down, all sights are typically set on the Preakness Stakes next. However, the owner of Rich Strike, Rick Dawson, revealed the shocking news that the fan-favorite is not going to be running in the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico next weekend.

Dawson released a statement, announcing the news per WBAL:

“Our original plan for Rich Strike was contingent on the Kentucky Derby, should we not run in the Derby we would point toward the Preakness, should we run in the Derby, subject to the race outcome & the condition of our horse, we would give him more recovery time & rest and run in the Belmont, or another race and stay on course to run with 5 or 6 weeks rest between races.”

Article Continues Below
More Horse Racing News
Jockey Junior Alvarado celebrated after riding Sovereignty to victory in the 151st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs
Sovereignty foregoing triple crown bid after Kentucky Derby winChristopher Hennessy ·
Dornoch charges home in Belmont Stakes
Belmont Stakes news: Ex-Phillies star Jayson Werth goes viral after Dornoch’s winSteve Silverman ·
Seize the Grey and trainer D. Wayne Lukas won the Preakness
Preakness Stakes winner Seize the Grey has fans hyped after ruining Mystik Dan’s Triple Crown dreamsSteve Silverman ·
The shocked guy meme wearing a stylish Kentucky Derby hat
Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan’s photo finish has fans going crazyRexwell Villas ·
Kentucky Derby logo with Churchill Downs behind.
2024 Kentucky Derby: How to watch on TV, stream, date, timeNate Duffett ·
Jena Antonucci, Arcangelo
Belmont winner Arcangelo, trainer Jena Antonucci take Midsummer DerbySteve Silverman ·

Part of what made the improbable Rich Strike victory more amazing is that the horse was not even in the field the morning before the Derby. However, there was a late scratch on Friday morning. That opened the door for Rich Strike.

Rich Strike had shown no previous ability to do what the horse accomplished Saturday. Prior to the Kentucky Derby, the horse had only won one race in seven starts. To Dawson's credit, making this decision appears to be what's best for the horse. You don't necessarily always see that type of decision in this sport. Dawson finished his statement by thanking the folks at Pimlico:

“We thank the wonderful Preakness & Pimlico folks that have reached out to us & very much appreciate the invite. We wish you all a great race!!!!”

Expect to see Rich Strike at The Belmont Stakes next month, where perhaps another stunning victory awaits.