Equestrian World Buzzes as $2,526,809 Worth Horse Prepares for Full Training Following a Spectacular Victory

The glorifying story behind the 2022 Kentucky Derby winner, who had to take an extended break from racing because of tendon issues, has been resurrected. Trained now by Hall of Famer Bill Mott after being previously owned by Rick Dawson, the colt is planning a comeback and could point towards the big race of the G1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park on 27 January 2024.

After this news, equestrian community is abuzz with $2,526,809 worth horse’s return to the major championships. His rehabilitation began with his final start of the year on May 5, when he wound up fifth in the Grade II Alysheba Stakes at Churchill Downs. Upon its completion, he was sent to the Rood and Riddle Clinic, where he was diagnosed with severe tendon problems.

Keen Ice’s Son’s Road to Recovery for the Upcoming World Cup

Rehab started for Rich Strike following a frustrating fifth-place effort in the GII Alysheba Stakes at Churchill Downs on May 5th. After this race, he went back to trainer Eric Reed’s barn but was then taken over and put into the charge of bill mott. That’s where the horse eventually underwent a pre-Kentucky Derby physical at Rood and Riddle clinic last week and turned out to have some problems with both front tendons.

Rick Dawson told the Thoroughbred Daily News in an interview, “Both have recovered extremely well. Dr. Bramlage at Rood and Riddle did all the work. He’s had ultrasounds, X-rays, etc. and he is doing really well. At times, his front suspensory tendons would get inflamed and get slightly damaged.” 

Under the tender loving care of Dr. Bramlage, scar tissue began to dissolve away and the tendon fibers took shape again. This slower plan was intended to help Rich Strike heal correctly and prevent any additional injuries. Rich Strike is currently living at Margaux Farm in Midway, Kentucky. He does light exercise and jogs one day and works out on the track the next.

A Hopeful Future for Rich Strike

The 2022 Kentucky Derby winner at 80-1 odds has struggled to live up to the hype since that triumph, but Rick Dawson still can’t help but believe in Rich Strike’s comeback.

“We won’t know more until we get him back in real training,” Dawson informed the source about Rich Strike, “If he can return to that skill level he showed when winning the Derby, that would be fantastic.” Dawson said.

Dawson hopes to see Rich Strike Compete again against the world’s leading horses in the 2024 Pegasus World Cup Invitational. But if that high-level performance cannot be continued by Rich Strike, the possibility of a retirement from racing and a move to the breeding shed could wait for this brave colt.

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The road back for Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike offers a spark of optimism and excitement as he seeks redemption in this Saturday’s Pegasus World Cup Invitational. Equestrian enthusiasts, and supporters of the game, will now wait for what comes next for Rich Strike, as that unmistakable roar of triumph still lingers, and an opportunity to rewrite history once more.

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