Kentucky Derby Winner Rich Strike Consigned as a Stallion Prospect to Keeneland

By Amy Gregory —-

Kentucky Derby Winner Rich Strike Consigned as a Stallion Prospect to Keeneland November Horses of Racing Age Sale

LEXINGTON, KY (Nov. 9, 2023) – Keeneland announced today that Rich Strike, winner of the 2022 Kentucky Derby (G1) Presented by Woodford Reserve and an earner of more than $2.5 million, will be offered as a stallion prospect at its November Horses of Racing Age Sale on Friday, Nov. 17. The 4-year-old colt by Keen Ice will be consigned by Candy Meadows Farm, agent.

Rich Strike is available for inspection in Lexington by appointment.

Rich Strike’s thrilling stretch drive to win the Derby made him a fan favorite, earning for him a loyal following and a place in the classic’s storied history.

“Effectively immediately I am announcing the retirement of Rich Strike from racing,” owner Rick Dawson said. “Over the past few months, Rich Strike was given the opportunity to rehab and return to his top racing form. However, nagging injuries have prevented that from happening. I’m hopeful now that Rich Strike finds a new home and begins a second career as a stallion.”

Bred in Kentucky by Calumet Farm, Rich Strike is out of Canadian champion Gold Strike, by Smart Strike, and a half-brother to Grade 2 winner Llanarmon. He has won or placed in nearly half of his 14 career starts, including, in addition to his aforementioned Derby win, a second in the Lukas Classic (G2) and a third in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), both in 2022.

“Keeneland is excited to showcase Rich Strike, a rare offering who will appeal to international buyers as a stallion prospect and to fans of racing worldwide,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said.

The November Horses of Racing Age Sale starts at noon ET on Nov. 17. The catalog for the single-session auction of racehorses, which is now online at Keeneland.com, features Daily Racing Form and Equibase past performances along with Thoro-graph and Ragozin sheets, race replays and more.

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Since its first race meet more than 85 years ago, the Keeneland Association has devoted itself to the health and vibrancy of the Thoroughbred industry. The world’s largest Thoroughbred auction house, Keeneland conducts five sales a year, in January, April, September and November. Graduates of Keeneland sales dominate racing across the globe at every level. In April and October, Keeneland offers some of the highest caliber and richest Thoroughbred racing in the world. Keeneland hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 2015, 2020 and 2022. Uniquely structured, Keeneland is a privately held company with a not-for-profit mission that returns its earnings to the industry and the community in the form of higher purses and millions of dollars donated in support of horse industry initiatives and charitable contributions for education, research, and health and human services throughout Central Kentucky. Keeneland also maintains Keeneland Library, a world-renowned public research institution with the mission of preserving information about the Thoroughbred industry. To learn more, visit Keeneland.com.

For more information contact Amy Gregory at 859 361-3490 or Amy Owens at 859 421-2566
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