Grade I Kentucky Derby longshot hero Rich Strike will be retired and offered as a stallion prospect at the Keeneland November Horses of Racing Age Sale on Friday, Nov. 17, the organization said in a release Thursday.
The 4-year-old colt by Keen Ice will be consigned by Candy Meadows Farm, agent and is available for inspection in Lexington by appointment.
“Effectively immediately I am announcing the retirement of Rich Strike from racing,” owner Rick Dawson said. “Over the past few months, Rich Strike was given the opportunity to rehab and return to his top racing form. However, nagging injuries have prevented that from happening. I'm hopeful now that Rich Strike finds a new home and begins a second career as a stallion.”
Bred in Kentucky by Calumet Farm, Rich Strike is out of Canadian champion Gold Strike, by Smart Strike, and a half-brother to Grade II winner Llanarmon. He has won or placed in nearly half of his 14 career starts, including, in addition to his aforementioned Derby win, a second in the GII Lukas Classic and a third in the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks, both in 2022.
“Keeneland is excited to showcase Rich Strike, a rare offering who will appeal to international buyers as a stallion prospect and to fans of racing worldwide,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said.
The November Horses of Racing Age Sale starts at noon ET on Nov. 17.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
