Rich Strike races to huge upset in Kentucky Derby

Jockey Sonny Leon guided Wealthy Strike from far again within the 20-horse area to beat 4-1 favourite Epicenter by three-quarters of a size. Zandon was one other three-quarters of a size again in third at Churchill Downs in entrance of a crowd that included former President Donald Trump.

Wealthy Strike had the second-biggest upset within the race’s 148-year historical past. He paid $163.60 to win. Solely Donerail in 1913 had the next payout of $184.90.

Wealthy Strike wasn’t even within the Derby area till Friday when Ethereal Highway was scratched, making room for the chestnut colt skilled by Eric Reed. Each Leon, from Venezuela, and Reed have been of their first Derby. Leon commonly rides on small circuits, together with Ohio.

Leon’s rail trip was paying homage to jockey Calvin Borel aboard Mine That Hen in 2009. Mine That Hen paid $103.20 to win.

Wealthy Strike was bought by proprietor RED TR-Racing LLC for $30,000 final fall when he was entered in a low-level claiming race by former proprietor Calumet Farm.

Wealthy Strike earned $1.86 million for simply his second profession victory.