Reed resigns as trainer of Rich Strike over image rights
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Trainer Eric Reed has resigned as the trainer of 2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike due to differences with the colt’s owner, Rick Dawson, over a media deal to document their underdog story.
“We are all very sad – we love Richie,” Reed said in a text message Thursday morning. “But I was given an ultimatum and had no choice but to resign.”
A new trainer was not immediately named for Rich Strike, who has been based with Reed at his Mercury Equine Center in Lexington, Ky. The colt finished fifth in the Grade 2 Alysheba Stakes on Friday at Churchill Downs, remaining winless since the Kentucky Derby.
Reed’s resignation was first reported by Horse Racing Nation.
It was announced last week that the Omaha Productions of NFL great Peyton Manning would be producing a documentary on Reed and Rich Strike, as well as a companion scripted film. The Sports Business Journal reported that Reed and Manning had met last fall for Manning to make his pitch on the project, which will be distributed by Prime Video and produced in partnership with Words + Pictures. The Sports Business Journal wrote that “the documentary is in development and is further along than the scripted movie, which is still searching for a writer and director.”
On Wednesday, Dawson posted on his Facebook page that he had a trademark in place to protect “unauthorized use” of Rich Strike, his name, image, and likeness.
“As owner of Rich Strike I have not approved any person or entity, including Omaha Prod, other than one website for merchandise and the KY Derby Museum to sell Rich Strike inspired items, or story,” Dawson posted on Wednesday.
On Thursday, Dawson issued another statement on his page that Reed had resigned as trainer due to the dispute. The owner said he would “immediately” be moving Rich Strike and his other horses from the trainer.
“It appears his agent/manager and Eric are subject to an agreement with Omaha Prod they signed many months ago that may incriminate them regarding possible violation to my Trademark and NIL of my rights as owner of Rich Strike,” Dawson wrote, referring to Rich Strike’s Name, Image, and Likeness rights.
Rich Strike, a 4-year-old son of Keen Ice, was bred in Kentucky by Calumet Farm. He was claimed by Reed, in the name of Dawson’s RED TR-Racing LLC, for $30,000 out of his second career start, a 17 1/4-length maiden-claiming victory in September 2021 at Churchill Downs. The following May, the colt rallied from 15th at the quarter pole and returned $163.60, the second-highest payout in Kentucky Derby history, for his victory in the classic.
Rich Strike is winless in six starts since the Derby, with his best finish a close runner-up effort in the Grade 2 Lukas Classic Stakes last October at Churchill. Dawson has protested and appealed that result via various channels, stating a belief that winner Hot Rod Charlie wore illegal shoes in the race, a claim that has been refuted by officials.
Overall, Rich Strike’s record stands at 14-2-1-3, with earnings of $2,526,809.
“My stint as his trainer has been the joy of a lifetime, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity and the ride the horse has given me and to everyone associated with Reed Racing,” Reed wrote in a statement provided to the media Thursday morning.
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