Kentucky Derby

Rich Strike seen champing at lead pony after surprising Kentucky Derby Win

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2022 Kentucky Derby coverage

Click below to view more content from the Lexington Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com covering the 148th Kentucky Derby on May 7 at Churchill Downs in Louisville.

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An excited Rich Strike took a few moments to settle down after his unexpected Kentucky Derby run Saturday.

As the crowd roared after he crossed the finish line, Rich Strike could be seen tossing his head and nipping at the track pony accompanying him after the race. Video showed the outrider struggling to hold onto him and at one point appearing to strike at him.

“Still trying to get this horse under control here,” an NBC announcer said in a video clip of the situation. “...It’s still trying to bite the pony here as they try to get him under control.”

Social media users were quick to crack jokes about the racehorse’s antics.

While some were concerned about the outrider’s reaction, others responded that it was a reasonable response to a safety issue on the track.

After taking a bite out of his competition, Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike chomped at the pony that guided him to the winner’s circle.
After taking a bite out of his competition, Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike chomped at the pony that guided him to the winner’s circle. Beth Lakes Robinson
An excited Rich Strike, left, nipped at the leg of outrider Greg Blasi and his track pony as they guided him to the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Saturday May 7, 2022 after Rich Strike won the 148th Kentucky Derby.
An excited Rich Strike, left, nipped at the leg of outrider Greg Blasi and his track pony as they guided him to the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Saturday May 7, 2022 after Rich Strike won the 148th Kentucky Derby. David Coyle david@teamcoyle.com
An excited Rich Strike, left, nipped at the leg of outrider Greg Blasi and his track pony as they guided him to the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Saturday May 7, 2022 after Rich Strike won the 148th Kentucky Derby.
An excited Rich Strike, left, nipped at the leg of outrider Greg Blasi and his track pony as they guided him to the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Saturday May 7, 2022 after Rich Strike won the 148th Kentucky Derby. David Coyle david@teamcoyle.com
Outrider Greg Blasi, right, struggled to get an excited Rich Strike under control after the horse nipped at the leg of him and his track pony as they guided the horse to the winners circle at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Saturday May 7, 2022, after Rich Strike won the 148th Kentucky Derby. At left is NBC’s Donna Barton Brothers waiting to interview winning jockey Sonny Leon.
Outrider Greg Blasi, right, struggled to get an excited Rich Strike under control after the horse nipped at the leg of him and his track pony as they guided the horse to the winners circle at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Saturday May 7, 2022, after Rich Strike won the 148th Kentucky Derby. At left is NBC’s Donna Barton Brothers waiting to interview winning jockey Sonny Leon. David Coyle david@teamcoyle.com

This story was originally published May 7, 2022 at 9:13 PM.

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Karla Ward
Lexington Herald-Leader
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Karla Ward is a native of Logan County who has worked as a reporter at the Herald-Leader since 2000. She covers breaking news. Support my work with a digital subscription
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2022 Kentucky Derby coverage

Click below to view more content from the Lexington Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com covering the 148th Kentucky Derby on May 7 at Churchill Downs in Louisville.

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