Rich Strike to be moved to Mott for training in the coming days

Rich Strike, the upset winner of the 2022 Kentucky Derby who has not raced in more than a year, will move to the care of trainer Bill Mott “in a few days” to begin more serious training, owner Rick Dawson says.

Rich Strike, who has not won since returning the second-highest win payout ever in the Derby, has had a roller-coaster year. The chestnut son of Keen Ice last raced when finishing fifth in the Grade 2 Alysheba Stakes on May 5, 2023 at Churchill Downs – at that time, his first start in more than five months. The following week, Eric Reed resigned as his trainer due to differences with Dawson over media deals to document their story and image rights. Rich Strike was subsequently moved to Margaux Farm in Midway, Ky., where Dawson said he was diagnosed with nagging suspensory ligament issues. Rich Strike was rested and then began light training, with Dawson stating his plan was to eventually turn the horse over to Mott.

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Last fall, Dawson said the issues had not progressed satisfactorily enough for a return to serious training, and announced Rich Strike’s retirement, entering him in the Keeneland November sale as a stallion prospect. However, Dawson had a change of heart owing to a lack of interest in the stallion prospect from major operations. The owner turned to stem cell treatments, under the guidance of esteemed veterinarian Dr. Larry Bramlage, to address the suspensory issues. As the treatments progressed, ultrasounds to check on Rich Strike’s progress cleared him for very light training at Margaux.

On Thursday, Dawson shared a video on his Facebook page of Rich Strike at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital for an ultrasound check-up, which revealed a positive prognosis.

“All went as good as could be expected, and better than expectations on several issues,” Dawson reported. “Our plan is to move him to Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott in a few days. Richie's training will be stepped up slowly and forwardly over the next month or two. Should he continue to stay sound after more training is implemented, we will look for a first race that fits him coming back from over a year off the track.”

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