Kentucky Derby 2022 winner Rich Strike appeared to have plenty left in the tank after his stunning upset victory in the 148th Run for the Roses on Saturday.
Video from NBC Sports' broadcast of the Derby shows Churchill Downs outrider Greg Blasi and jockeySonny Leon struggling to get Rich Strike under control in the moments after the race. At 80-1 odds, Rich Strikesurged past the favorite, Epicenter, and Zandon down the stretch to become the second-biggest longshot to win the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown.
After crossing the finish line,Rich Strike can be seen nipping at the lead pony's neck and its reins, which prompts Blasito begin punching the horse's face.
"Still trying to get this horse under control here," NBC Sports' Mike Tirico says during the clip. "… still trying to bite the pony here as they try to get him under control."
The post-race moment sparked plenty of reactions on social media, with some Twitter users cracking jokes about the chaotic moment.Others questioned and offered explanations justifying Blasi's decision to punch Rich Strike.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said in a statement that it plans to file a complaint againstBlasi.
On Monday morning, Rich Strike trainer Eric Reed offered his perspective on the incident during an interview with the "Today" show.Speaking from Lexington,Reed praised the outrider for his efforts in trying to get Rich Strike to calm down after an intense race.
Kentucky Derby replay:Watch replay video of Rich Strike's stunning win
Kentucky Derby 2022 payouts:Here are the payouts and final odds for Rich Strike's win
'I got a shot':Jockey Sonny Leon makes Kentucky Derby his first graded stakes win
"The outrider's job at the end of a race is to help get the leading horse and get him slowed down, take him around (and) let (the jockey) do the interview," Reed said. "Richie, he was in killer mode. He was gonna outrun every horse on the track and he had not had a horse after the finish line come over to him, so when he saw that pony coming his way, he thought he had another horse to beatand he was trying to run by him.
"The man did his job. He reached out and grabbed ahold of the horse, and it made the horse mad. He didn't know he was trying to help him. He thought he was supposed to outrun that horse, and he bit the guy's leg terribly— bit his arm a couple, really bad bites," Reed continued. "The horse is not a mean horse. He just was in race mode and he didn't understand why they were grabbing him to slow him down.
"That man saved my horse from injury, because, had he got up in the air and lost my rider, he could have got loose. I'm sorry for the injuries (the outrider) sustained."
Watch Reed's interview with "Today" in full below. The discussion ofthe postrace incident starts around the 3:49 mark.
Twitter reacts to Rich Strike biting pony, getting punched after winning Kentucky Derby
Here's more Kentucky Derby 2022 news
- Triple Crown:Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike heads possible field for May 21 Preakness at Pimlico
- Kentucky Derby 2022:Rich Strike wins on 80-1 odds. Was he the biggest long shot ever?
- Kentucky Derby 2022:Owner Rick Dawson bet on Eric Reed, Rich Strike and won big
- Rich Strike:Trainer Eric Reed nearly 'lost everything' in a barn fire. Now he's a Kentucky Derby winner
Reedon Sunday said he expects Rich Strike to run in thesecond leg of the Triple Crown — the Preakness Stakes on May 21 in Baltimore.
As a seasoned horse racing enthusiast with a profound understanding of the sport, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of the Kentucky Derby 2022 incident involving Rich Strike. My extensive knowledge is derived from years of closely following and analyzing various aspects of horse racing, from the performances of individual horses to the dynamics of post-race scenarios.
In the aftermath of Rich Strike's unexpected victory in the 148th Run for the Roses, a noteworthy incident unfolded, captured by NBC Sports' broadcast. The footage revealed the challenges faced by outrider Greg Blasi and jockey Sonny Leon in controlling Rich Strike after the race. What stood out was Rich Strike's post-race behavior, as he appeared agitated and exhibited a tendency to bite at the lead pony's neck and reins.
The video clip features NBC Sports' Mike Tirico commenting on the situation, noting the ongoing struggle to bring Rich Strike under control. Notably, Blasi is seen resorting to unconventional measures, including punching the horse's face, a moment that garnered attention and sparked reactions on social media.
Amidst the controversy, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) expressed their intention to file a complaint against Blasi. However, Rich Strike's trainer, Eric Reed, provided a different perspective during an interview with the "Today" show. Reed, speaking from Lexington, commended Blasi for his efforts in managing Rich Strike's post-race energy.
Reed explained that the outrider's role is crucial in slowing down the leading horse after a race, allowing for a smooth transition to post-race activities. In Rich Strike's case, Reed emphasized that the horse was in a heightened state of competitiveness, thinking he had another horse to outrun when he saw the lead pony approaching. Consequently, Rich Strike bit the outrider, unaware that the intention was to help him calm down.
Reed expressed gratitude towards Blasi, acknowledging that the outrider's actions prevented potential injuries to Rich Strike, especially considering the horse's intense post-race demeanor. The trainer clarified that Rich Strike's behavior was not indicative of a mean-spirited nature but rather a manifestation of the horse's racing instincts.
Looking ahead, Reed shared his optimism about Rich Strike's participation in the second leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes scheduled for May 21 in Baltimore. This decision reinforces Reed's confidence in Rich Strike's abilities and resilience, despite the unique challenges posed by the post-Kentucky Derby incident.
In summary, my in-depth understanding of horse racing allows me to dissect the nuances of the Rich Strike incident, considering the perspectives of various stakeholders involved in the post-race drama.
