Kentucky Derby Winner Rich Strike Scratched From Keeneland November Sale, Will Remain In ‘Light Exercise’

Rich Strike, the winner of the 2022 Kentucky Derby, will be withdrawn from Friday's Keeneland November Horses of Racing Age Sale, owner Rick Dawson announced Thursday via social media.

Dawson posted to his Facebook page Thursday afternoon that the 4-year-old son of Keen Ice would remain at Margaux Farm in Midway, Ky., where he had been working back from a long layoff after a build-up of scar tissue in tendons in both front legs was discovered by Dr. Larry Bramlage. The owner said Rich Strike would remain in “light exercise” at the farm.

“I would like to think my family, friends (and) the folks at Keeneland Sales for their support and guidance in this process,” Dawson wrote. “I will make further announcements at such time it deemed to be appropriate.”

Rich Strike's retirement and supplemental entry into the Keeneland sale as a stallion prospect had been announced on Nov. 9, and the auction company adjusted the catalog order to ensure the Derby winner would be first through the ring during the session, which is scheduled to begin at noon.

He was cataloged as Hip 4001A, to be consigned by Candy Meadows Sales, as agent for Dawson's RED TR-Racing.

In the meantime, Rich Strike had been available for inspection by potential buyers at Margaux Farm.

Prior to the colt's retirement, the plan called for Rich Strike to join the barn of new trainer Bill Mott, with the immediate goal of a comeback start in the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes.