(11-10-23) Kentucky Derby winner ‘Rich Strike‘ the 4-year old colt will be auctioned at the upcoming Kenneland Sale. It seems that, just like his Derby win, no one thinks he is up to his next venture as a sire. He will be just one of many to be available as stallion prospects.

Rich Strike , the 80-1 upset winner of the 2022 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs, has been retired. Keeneland announced yesterday that Rich Strike an earner of more than $2.5 million, will be offered as a stallion prospect (Hip # 4001A) at its November Horses of Racing Age Sale on Friday, Nov. 17. The 4-year-old colt by Keen Ice will be consigned by Candy Meadows Farm, agent.

Rich Strike retires with a 2-1-3 record in 14 starts with more than $2.5 million in earnings. He initially raced for breeder Calumet Farm and trainer Joe Sharp before being claimed for just $30,000 by Rick Dawson’s RED TR-Racing and trainer Eric Reed from his second race, a 17 1/4-length maiden claiming win at Ellis Park in September 2021.

It seems like no one has stepped forward to acquire Rich Strike on the open market. Apparently those in the breeding business don’t feel the Derby winner is worth the time, money or effort. But they are also are some of the same horse people who didn’t give him a snowball’s chance to win the Derby either.

So what will an auction look like…a buyer from Europe, Japan or even South America? Headed to Louisiana, Texas, Florida or even the growing market in Iowa. Will someone step-up before the sale to put together a plan for him? Is a Kentucky farm out of the question? Will he instead go to an ‘old horses‘ farm to be viewed and admired by racing fans.

Would he do well in the world of quarter horses who offer AI as part of the breeding program?

Does he have one more odds breaking surprise in a career as a sire?

The odds seem to have always been against him…but he proved many wrong during his career. One more time is in the future for ‘Rich Strike’.

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