Rich Strike Withdrawn From Keeneland HORA Sale

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Rich Strike Withdrawn From Keeneland HORA Sale
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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Rich Strike schools in the Keeneland paddock ahead of the 2022 Breeders' Cup Classic

Owner Rick Dawson announced Nov. 16 via a text message that 2022 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Rich Strike  would be withdrawn from the Nov. 17 Keeneland Horses of Racing Age Sale and remain in light exercise.

Winless in five starts since his 80-1 upset in last year's Derby, the 4-year-old son of Keen Ice   had been unraced since a fifth-place finish in the Alysheba Stakes (G2) in May. Following the Alysheba, Dawson and trainer Eric Reed fell out after a dispute over film rights, and Dawson later said he planned to send the horse to Hall of Famer trainer Bill Mott this fall in Florida. The colt never joined Mott there.

Dawson wrote that "Rich Strike will continue his stay and light exercise at Margaux Farm," where he had been in light training leading up to Friday's sale. He had been entered in the sale and announced as retired Nov. 9 by Dawson last week due to what the owner said were nagging issues with Rich Strike's suspensory ligaments.

Rich Strike was slated to become the first Kentucky Derby winner through the sales ring post-Run for the Roses since Sea Hero in 1999. The colt was to be consigned as a stallion prospect by Candy Meadows Farm.

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The Derby winner sports a record of 2-1-3 from 14 starts and earnings of $2,526,809. His other notable races include a nose loss to Hot Rod Charlie when runner-up in the 2022 Lukas Classic Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs and a third-place finish in the 2022 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at Turfway Park.