Rich Strike , winner of the 2022 Kentucky Derby (G1), is poised to start his stud career next year at Mountain Springs Farm in Eastern Pennsylvania, according to multiple sources.
Rick Dawson, who campaigned Rich Strike with trainer Eric Reed, said the terms are set for a purchase and sale agreement and expects the details to be finalized soon. The terms outline the sale of the 5-year-old son of Keen Ice to a partnership that includes Rich Miller, the owner of Mountain Springs near Palmyra, Pa. Provided the deal goes through as expected, Rich Strike could be in Pennsylvania within a week.
"It is common knowledge that I've been looking for the right opportunity for Rich Strike, and selling him to Rich Miller and his partners seems like a great opportunity," Dawson told BloodHorse. "Pennsylvania has a strong racing and breeding program in place, and it's getting better all the time."
Dawson acquired Rich Strike in a claim for $30,000, and the colt took him to the pinnacle of American racing at odds of 80-1.
Rich Strike retires with a 2-1-3 record from 14 starts and earned more than $2.5 million. Bred by Calumet Farm, the stallion is out of grade 3 winner and 2005 Canadian champion 3-year-old filly Gold Strike, a daughter of prominent broodmare sire Smart Strike. Gold Strike also is the dam of grade 2 winner Llanarmon (Sky Mesa) and the granddam of grade 1-placed, multiple grade 3 winner Neecie Marie (Cross Traffic ).
