80-1 long shot Rich Strike has won the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve. The stunning victory gives jockey Sonny Leon and trainer Eric Reed their first Derby wins both in their first time here.
Derby day 2022 felt like it was back to normal since Covid. Masks were rarely seen. Churchill Downs was back to full capacity for the first time since 2019 and Donald Trump was even back for the first time since 1999.
And then… WOW… what a race! A fast pace (2 minutes 2.61 seconds) benefitted Rich Strike as he came charging up the rail late to overtake favorites Zandon and Epicenter who were battling down the stretch. This from a horse who wasn’t even in the field until Friday thanks to a scratched Ethereal Road.
Watch the 2022 Kentucky Derby Replay
2022 Kentucky Derby Results
| Finish | Horse |
| 1 | Rich Strike |
| 2 | Epicenter |
| 3 | Zandon |
| 4 | Simplification |
| 5 | Mo Donegal |
| 6 | Barber Road |
| 7 | Tawny Port |
| 8 | Smile Happy |
| 9 | Tiz the Bomb |
| 10 | Zozos |
| 11 | Classic Causeway |
| 12 | Taiba |
| 13 | Crown Pride |
| 14 | Happy Jack |
| 15 | Messier |
| 16 | White Abarrio |
| 17 | Charge It |
| 18 | Cyberknife |
| 19 | Pioneer of Media |
| 20 | Summer is Tomorrow |