Meridian Drafting
By decision of its owners, the winner of the Kentucky Derby, Rich Strikewill not participate in the second step of the North American triple crown, as they preferred to skip the race and run the third step the Belmont Stakes.
Statement from relatives of Rich Strike pic.twitter.com/KigY87PS4M
– Engels Alfredo Medina Araque (@engelsmedina23) May 12, 2022
Always The Best decision for you champ, recovery time & rest. See you in Belmont stakes fans of Rich strike ðð» https://t.co/Qn0iYSERNS
— SONNY LEON (@SONNYLEON1) May 12, 2022
“Our original plan hinged on the Kentucky Derby. If we didn’t run the Derby we would aim for the Preakness, if we did run it, depending on the results and the condition of our horse, we would give him more recovery and rest time and run the Belmont or another race.” to stay on course and race with 5 or 6 weeks off between races,” said Rick Dawson, owner of the horse.
However, the result and victory of Rich Strike tempted Dawson and the team to alter course and participate in the Preakness, but they decided to stick to the plan they had previously established. “We’ll stick with our plan, and what’s best for Ritchie is what’s best for the group,” he concluded.
And although he was a surprise in the Kentucky Derby 148, the Venezuelan Sonny León is not eligible to win the North American triple crown due to the absence he will have in the Preakness.