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Kentucky Derby-winner Rich Strike will not run in Preakness

May 12th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

There will be no Triple Crown in 2022 as the winner of the Kentucky Derby is passing on running in the Preakness.

Statement from Rick Dawson, owner of Rich Strike:

"Our original plan for Rich Strike was contingent on the KY Derby, should we not run in the Derby we would point toward the Preakness, should we run in the Derby, subject to the race outcome & the condition of our horse, we would give him more recovery time & rest and run in the Belmont, or another race and stay on course to run with 5 or 6 weeks rest between races. 

Obviously, with our tremendous effort & win in the Derby it's very, very tempting to alter our course & run in the Preakness at Pimlico, which would be a great honor for all our group, however, after much discussion & consideration with my trainer, Eric Reed & a few others, we are going to stay with our plan of what's best for Ritchie is what's best for our group, and pass on running in the Preakness, and point toward the Belmont in approximately 5 weeks. 

We thank the wonderful Preakness & Pimlico folks that have reached out to us & very much appreciate the invite. 

We wish you all a great race!!!!