Rich Strike Skipping Dubai, Pointing Toward KY Cup

The 148th Kentucky Derby (G1) winner, Rich Strike , will not be making an overseas trip to Dubai this year, his owner RED TR-Racing's Rick Dawson, confirmed in a Facebook Post Feb. 27. The son of Keen Ice   has not passed through the starting gates since finishing off the board during the Clark Stakes at Churchill Downs Nov. 25.

"After receiving details from the Dubai racing group setting out travel plans for Richie, which in (trainer Eric Reed's) and my opinion are unacceptable, and not in the best interest of Richie and our team, we will not be racing in Dubai in 2023," Dawson posted. "We are now planning to stay in the US and race five or six times, all contingent on Richie remaining sound and healthy."

Dawson added: "As a first race back from a long layoff, we are leaning toward Richie running in KY Cup Classic at Turfway Park on March 25, which will begin his 4-year-old campaign. The subsequent race schedule will be posted as determined. GO RICHIE!!"

The 4-year-old will start this year with a record of 2-1-3 in 13 efforts with career earnings of $2,508,989. The chestnut has been recording weekly works at Turfway Park with Reed after a freshening over the winter. The $300,000 Kentucky Cup Classic is part of Jeff Ruby Steaks Day at Turfway Park.