2022 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Rich Strike has returned to training for a possible return to racing.
The son of Keen Ice loaded onto a trailer at Margaux Farm in Midway, Ky., June 21 and arrived at Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott’s barn at Saratoga Race Course the following morning, according to a post on owner Rick Dawson’s Facebook page.
“He looks pretty good, galloped him the last two days and he went quite well,” Mott told the Daily Racing Form June 24. “He’s been cantering and galloping at the farm, but I’m sure we’re going to probably put a little more pressure on him than they have been.”
Mott also said that Dawson realizes Rich Strike’s return chances are 50-50 depending on whether the horse stays sound. Dawson attributed Rich Strike’s disappearance from racing to a series of underlying leg issues, for which he was cleared by famed equine surgeon Dr. Larry Bramlage earlier this month.
KING: Dawson: Rich Strike ‘A Few Days’ Away From Joining Mott
Rich Strike was claimed for $30,000 by Dawson and trainer Eric Reed from his second career start in September 2021. Reed saddled Rich Strike for his historic 80-1 upset in the Derby and later resigned following a fifth in the May 5, 2023 Alysheba Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs, Rich Strike’s last start, after a dispute over film rights.
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