'Seriously?' Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike skipping Preakness sparks mixed reactions
Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike will be sitting out of the 2022 Preakness Stakes, ending the possibility of a longshot emerging to claim horse racing's Triple Crown.
Suffice to say, Rich Strike owner Rick Dawson's announcement Thursday afternoon left those riding high off the horse's underdog victory in the 148th Run for the Roses a bit disappointed.
All my homies hate Rich Strike
— Mike Rutherford (@CardChronicle) May 12, 2022
"Obviously, with our tremendous effort and win in the Derby, it’s very, very tempting to alter our course and run in the Preakness at Pimlico, which would be a great honor for all our group,” Dawson said in a statement. "However, after much discussion and consideration with my trainer, Eric Reed, and 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 five weeks."
Rich Strike: Kentucky Derby winner will skip Preakness, look toward Belmont
Preakness Stakes 2022: A look at the possible field for the race
At 80-1 odds, Rich Strike surged past favorite Epicenter and Zandon down the stretch at Churchill Downs in what was the second-biggest longshot victory in Kentucky Derby history.
Throw in the fact that the horse only made the Derby field because another participant scratched and the story of Reed nearly quitting the sport six years ago after a fire killed 23 horses at his Mercury Equine Center in Lexington, and it's easy to see why fans fell so hard for the improbable champion.
Despite Dawson's reassurance that Rich Strike is planning to run in the Belmont Stakes in June, many on Twitter were quick to point out taking the Triple Crown off the table will only dampen interest in the Preakness — set for May 21 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
I understand the horse needs to rest, but seriously? After such an improbable win at The Derby, Rich Strike is skipping the Preakness? Then who cares anymore? Man, this sucks. https://t.co/hCY0xR1XmL
— Jason Lamb (@jasonlambkc) May 12, 2022
Others, however, applauded Rich Strike's connections for doing what they think is best for the horse.
In a time where racing is saying "We're all about the horse" I applaud Team Rich Strike for putting the HORSE first over money and ratings.
— Megan Arszman (@MLArszman) May 12, 2022
Here's a look at more mixed reactions to the news on social media:
Twitter reacts to Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike sitting out of the 2022 Preakness Stakes
It's a great decision by the connections of @KentuckyDerby winner Rich Strike, no reason to run in a race that you may not be best suited for. The Belmont Stakes? @BelmontStakes That is where they belong. See you in New York!!! 👊🏿 https://t.co/SfoBhmL2j4
— Ken Rudulph (@MrKenRudulphTV) May 12, 2022
Another blow to Horse Racing, sad. That said lock in #Epicenter & the Filly #SecretOath in the #Preakness #ComeOnMan #RichStrike #DerbyChamp https://t.co/FOGYz049Kw
— Tom Mazawey (@TomMazawey) May 12, 2022
Rich Strike passing the Preakness is probably due to Pimlico’s tight turns and speed bias 😁
— Mike Watchmaker (@Mike_Watchmaker) May 12, 2022
Bummed Rich Strike isn’t running in the Preakness because he’s obviously the Derby winner & has become an overnight folk hero (which is great) but I don’t see his absence making the Preakness a more appealing spot to anyone, especially a top talent like Zandon.
— Jason Blewitt (@jasonblewitt30) May 12, 2022
Big call this by #RichStrike connections, rare for the #KentuckyDerby winner to miss the #PreaknessStakes , and sticking to the plan that was drawn up before the Derby, good for them, but if he were mine and ready to roll , he'd run! @SkySportsRacing @DailyRacingForm @NBCSports https://t.co/LEY1iulFoy
— Patrick Cooney (@patcooney_365) May 12, 2022
A live look at 1ST/Stronach and NBC Execs upon the news that Rich Strike will bypass the Preakness for the Belmont Stakes. pic.twitter.com/5qhip63FyC
— Darin Zoccali (@atTheTrack7) May 12, 2022
This explains why Rich Strike was so angry after winning the Kentucky Derby. Knew he wasn’t going to get a shot at the Triple Crown
— Nick Parco (@nick_parco) May 12, 2022
Kudos to Rich Strike's connections for not getting caught up in Triple Crown fever and putting their horse first.
— Nicole (@Nicole__Meiner) May 12, 2022
Rich Strike bypassing the Preakness.
NBC: pic.twitter.com/KJHYZyITzV— Jeff Woods (@SportsGuy_Jeff) May 12, 2022
I don't blame Rich Strike for skipping the Preakness. If I ran over a mile, I'd need to rest for a month or so, too.
— Todd Probus (@tprobus) May 12, 2022
" I choose not to run." -Rich Strike & Jerry Seinfeld pic.twitter.com/ty6OyejUCz
— chimp_caray (@CarayChimp) May 12, 2022
Here's more horse racing news
Rich Strike jockey: Sonny Leon serves suspension after Kentucky Derby win. It's not the first time
Kentucky Oaks winner: Secret Oath will take on the boys in the Preakness
Kentucky Derby 2022: How much money did Rich Strike win? Here's a look at the purse
Kentucky Derby 2022: Here are the payouts and final odds for Rich Strike's win
With Rich Strike out, another story for fans to follow at the Preakness will be Kentucky Oaks winner Secret Oath trying to join Swiss Skydiver and Rachel Alexandra as fillies to win the second leg of the Triple Crown in the 21st Century.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Twitter reacts to 2022 Derby winner Rich Strike bypassing Preakness