How much money did Rich Strike win at the 2022 Kentucky Derby? Here's a look at the purse (2024)

Brooks Holton, Louisville Courier Journal

Mon, May 9, 2022, 12:28 PM·3 min read

Rich Strike made history Saturday as the second-biggest longshot to win the Kentucky Derby in 148 years of the race. In the process, the Lexington-bred horse with 80-1 odds made his owner, trainer and jockey quite a bit of money.

Here's a look at the Derby purse and payouts to the race's top finishers.

Kentucky Derby 2022: Watch replay video of Rich Strike's stunning win

How much money did Rich Strike win at the 2022 Kentucky Derby?

Rich Strike received $1,860,000 of the Kentucky Derby's $3 million purse as the race winner. Before his victory in the first leg of the Triple Crown, Rich Strike's career earnings totaled only $111,289.

Not bad for a horse that entered the Derby field the day before when Ethereal Road scratched — and was claimed by owner Rick Dawson of RED TR-Racing after a $30,000 maiden-claiming race at Churchill Downs.

Rich Strike: Owner Rick Dawson bet on Eric Reed, Rich Strike and won big at 2022 Kentucky Derby

"What planet is this?" Dawson said after the race Saturday. "I feel like I have been propelled somewhere. I'm not sure. This is unbelievable. I asked my trainer up on the stage, I said, 'Are you sure this is not a dream? Because it can't be true.' He assured me this is real. I said OK."

How much money will Rich Strike's trainer, jockey earn from 2022 Kentucky Derby win?

Both Rich Strike trainer Eric Reed and jockey Sonny Leon emerged victorious in their first Derby entry. Typically, trainers and jockeys will receive 10% of all earnings.

"I never thought I would have a Derby horse," Reed said Saturday. "I never tried to go to the yearling sale and buy a Derby horse. I just wanted to buy my clients a horse that would keep them happy, have some fun and make a little money. If we got a good one, terrific. This was never in my thoughts."

Rich Strike: Trainer Eric Reed nearly 'lost everything' in a barn fire. Now he's a Kentucky Derby winner

How much money did other 2022 Kentucky Derby top finishers make?

Second-place finisher Epicenter was awarded $600,000 but did not end trainer Steve Asmussen's 0-for-24 Derby drought.

Zandon received $300,000 for finishing third, and fourth-place finisher Simplification earned $150,000.

Mo Donegal, who finished fifth, won $90,000.

More 2022 Kentucky Derby, horse racing news

'Against all odds': Rich Strike wins the 2022 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs
Preakness Stakes: Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike heads possible field for May 21 Preakness at Pimlico
Rich Strike: Kentucky Derby winner bit Churchill Downs' lead pony and got punched for it
'What just happened?': Steve Asmussen in shock after Epicenter loses in Kentucky Derby

Reed on Sunday said he expects Rich Strike to run in the second leg of the Triple Crown — the Preakness on May 21 in Baltimore.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky Derby 2022 winner Rich Strike purse: How much prize money was

As an enthusiast and expert in horse racing and the Kentucky Derby, I'm well-versed in the ins and outs of this thrilling sport. The Kentucky Derby, often dubbed "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," has a rich history spanning 148 years, with each race offering a unique blend of surprise outcomes and impressive winnings.

Let's break down the key concepts and information presented in the article about Rich Strike's historic win at the 2022 Kentucky Derby:

Rich Strike's Victory: Rich Strike, a Lexington-bred horse with staggering 80-1 odds, made history by clinching the victory in the 2022 Kentucky Derby. This win earned the horse a significant portion of the Derby's total purse, amounting to $1,860,000 out of the $3 million purse.
Owner, Trainer, and Jockey Earnings: The owner, Rick Dawson, claimed Rich Strike after a $30,000 maiden-claiming race at Churchill Downs. This unexpected win resulted in substantial earnings for the owner, trainer Eric Reed, and jockey Sonny Leon. Typically, trainers and jockeys receive approximately 10% of the total winnings, showcasing the substantial windfall for their efforts.
Payouts to Top Finishers: Other top finishers in the 2022 Kentucky Derby also secured significant earnings. Second-place finisher Epicenter received $600,000, while third-place Zandon earned $300,000, fourth-place Simplification earned $150,000, and fifth-place Mo Donegal won $90,000.
Trainer's Journey: Eric Reed, Rich Strike's trainer, expressed surprise at being part of the Derby and highlighted his modest aspirations, aiming to keep clients happy and possibly make some profits. His unexpected journey from a barn fire to triumph at the Kentucky Derby added an emotional element to Rich Strike's victory.
Future Races: Rich Strike's victory set the stage for potential participation in the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, scheduled for May 21 in Baltimore, as per Eric Reed's expectations.

The article captures the essence of the unexpected triumph of an underdog, Rich Strike, at the Kentucky Derby, along with the impact on the owner, trainer, and jockey, as well as the substantial earnings secured by top finishers in the race. It also sets the stage for the anticipation surrounding Rich Strike's potential participation in future races.