“Rich Strike Finds New Home with Trainer Bill Mott: A Fresh Start for the Kentucky Derby Winner”

Описание: Rich Strike, the victorious colt of the 2022 Kentucky Derby (Grade 1), will be joining the stable of esteemed trainer Bill Mott after a brief hiatus from racing. Owner Rick Dawson, racing under the name RED TR-Racing, confirmed the news.

Since being claimed by Eric Reed and RED TR-Racing from a maiden $30,000 claiming race at Churchill Downs in September 2021, Eric Reed had been Rich Strike’s trainer. However, a dispute arose between Reed and Dawson when Reed entered into a film rights agreement with Omaha Productions and Amazon Prime. Reed intended to showcase his life as a trainer, following in his father’s footsteps, but Dawson questioned why the colt’s Derby win wouldn’t be a part of the project. Dawson asserted that he owns the rights to Rich Strike’s story and had established a trademark associated with the horse.

The 4-year-old son of Keen Ice recently finished fifth in the Alysheba Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs on May 5, 2023, in his first start of the year.

Dawson expressed his satisfaction with the decision to have Hall of Fame Trainer Bill Mott take over Rich Strike’s training, stating that Mott was his first choice. Dawson conveyed his confidence in Mott’s ability to provide excellent care and guidance for “Richie” to reach his full potential. He mentioned that Rich Strike is currently turned out and doing well based on the advice of renowned veterinarian Dr. Larry Bramlage. The colt is undergoing approximately 30 days of rest before training resumes. Dawson also noted that Rich Strike experienced minor physical issues, which are not uncommon in racehorses during training, as described in a Facebook post on May 20.

After parting ways with Eric Reed in mid-May, Dawson relocated his horses, including Rich Strike, to Blackwood Stables in Versailles, Kentucky. Previously, Reed had trained the colt at Mercury Training Center just outside Lexington.

According to Dawson, Rich Strike will undergo another checkup in about a week and then another one in a couple of weeks. Once the colt’s condition is deemed suitable and ready for a training regimen, he will be entrusted to Bill Mott’s capable management at a yet-to-be-determined location.

Bill Mott primarily operates in Kentucky and New York throughout much of the year, with a winter presence in Florida. He frequently sends horses to compete in stakes races across the country. Mott maintains a division in Kentucky with assistant Kenny McCarthy and has stables at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course, where he often trains his top-performing horses from spring to fall.

Rich Strike, who has not secured a victory in six starts since his stunning 80-1 triumph in the Derby, currently holds a record of 2-1-3 in 14 total starts, earning over $2.5 million. Initially, the colt made his first two starts under trainer Joe Sharp and owner/breeder Calumet Farm before joining forces with Eric Reed and RED TR-Racing.