It doesn't matter who owns the horse. That groom owns his heart. That is his horse. I hope whatever happens after his career, Rich Strike and his groom find a way to stay connected. Congratulations!
Agree with you 100%. This beautiful horse trusts his groomer and he loves it. He is very comfortable with the groomer. I pray they stay together. The horse will look forward to seeing his groom. Their buddies now and as we see it here. He's such a magnificent horse. I love him and the groom together. What a great team Great job!.
Thrilled for Rich Strike and everyone connected with his Kentucky Derby win! A Master Class in how a horse and jockey positioned in the 21st gate (which was the first problem in a race), managed to maneuver and find the "holes" and "opportunities" to make it through the pack of 20 other horses and...WIN! That race will go down in history as a win that was successfully won fair and square with good honest horsemanship and no Bob Baffert underhandedness. BRAVO!
@@sandymoseley You can be sure, unfortunately, that rival competitors are currently plotting strategies to prevent a second win if he goes to the Preakness. Leon stated that the horse likes the rail position. Let's hope that comment was a ruse. But they will block/hinder and make him work even harder to get the next jewel in the crown. I, for one, would like to see him spank them again!
I don't miss those poultice days. All these workers work hard and they're also winners. Bravo to the whole team for bring back the true meaning of racing.
Jerry Dixon Jr and Rich Strike have stolen my heart. Truly nothing more heartwarming than the bond they share! All American Love Story! #AgainstAllOdds 🥰
A TRUE AMERICAN STORY !! The Story is SO American just like American Pie !!! Mr. Reed Almost lost everything because of a fire and folks jump in and help him recover and he ends up at the Derby and WINS!! A GREAT Jockey from Venezuela rides a gusty race and ONLY in America can this happen and that is why America is GREAT and will always be GREAT. GOD Bless all Americans and GOD Bless Mr. Reed and his family and especially his Father!! Times are tough for the majority and it’s stories like this that make us dream and make us proud to be an American. There are hundreds of “feel” good stories that take place EVERY day in our country but the news media prefers to print negativity thus convincing a lot of Americans WE are bad people…..WE are NOT bad, WE are GOOD people, all of us….White, Black, Asian, etc. and etc. and WE will NOT allow politicians who have sold their souls to defeat the good.
Thanks so much for teaching us a valuable lesson : “So the last will be first, and the first will be last”. Love ❤️ you Rich Strike. Faith faith people is what we need always. Let’s support horse 🐎 racing !!!
That horse is a champion.. he is on top of his game and is looking forward to becoming quite possibly the most talked about horse ever. This is great. I'm happy for all of the team.. best race I've seen probably ever. My mom passed away a little over 4 years ago and we would watch the Kentucky derby together for the last 20 or so. Today she missed a good one she would have loved. On mother's day of all days.. Love you Mom..
@@RosebudBB That’s not how it works in THIS Industry You win and go back home unless you have a permanent stall .Meaning the Trainer has his stable at Churchill Downs . This is not the case . Rich Strike is stabled at Equine a more private Facility .
I hope we get to hear more about rich strike and his trainer,owner, and crew as well . I just love a good story. And yes I believe it's all in a day's work.
Thank you for sharing this; it brings back 8 years of memories as a groom. If I had a dollar for every leg I bandaged, I know I'd be quite wealthy. I got to know Eddie Sweat, the groom of Secretariat; he was a once-in-a-lifetime horse. And this Derby was a real thing of beauty to watch. How much you wanna bet he'll never run at 81:1 odds again? I'm very interested to see how Rich Strike proceeds in his career.
@@PlainOlPatty ... that is called "poultice". It's like "mud".. and you wet your hands, reach in the bucket of mud and grab a handful, then slide it over the horse's leg. Covering well, but not "too" thick. Poulticing a horse after a hard workout is a time-honored treatment for drawing out pain, fluid, and inflammation from horses' legs. A poultice is great as it keeps a horse from stocking up (swelling). :)
That's a good one,it does make you cry for the horse. He knows he won,but he just don't know what he won.He won the hearts of millions.It also reflect why animals has such a great effect on us. That is because their love and our love is unconditional. Unlike hand who tend to lie about everything and won't help a frog to the pond.
such a good boy! something so powerful about nature. in the world of technology and apathy, this is an amazing breath of fresh air and a reminder that love is the answer
That horse is a beast, he looks like an top athlete. Love his proportions and musculature. He looked like he could win the triple crown. No horse runs at that pace at the back of the pack for the first half mile, still gains ground, fights for the lead and wins. Excellent combination of speed and stamina. If you looked at the race you could actually see his movement into another gear after he overtook Messier on the stretch. That horse still had more to give. Hope they enter him in the remaining two races for the triple crown. That horse is a special horse. He looks like Secretariat's distant cousin. If he goes to the Preakness, he has to be mid pack at the start of the race and at least third coming into the final stretch, because it is the shortest of the three triple crown races.
I'm so glad you said hitting another gear! I thought the same thing and he was moving away but the race was over. It would have been more than a length!
This horse had to win, the love that the trainer and his assistants feel for that horse is priceless, it is pure love, blessed be America, there is something special about that horse, I am more than sure that he will win the Triple Crown, the whole world will have their eyes on this wonderful horse, I want to see him run in the Dubai Derby.
He will not race in the 2nd leg of the Triple Crown (Preakness Stakes), owner and trainer said that they don't want to push the horse to run on 2 weeks rest, we gotta remember that Rich Strike was a a last minute sub and it's a huge risk for the horse given that he wasn't programmed to participate and much less run all 3 races, he will run in the 3rd leg the Belmont Stakes.
THRILLED IS THE WORD....thanks, to all of you for my most memorable DERBY in my almost 69 years....!!! What a gorgeous horse!!! What wonderful people caring for him...loved the team's picture taking....all of them knowing what a moment this is!!! Thank you!!!
Thank you, again. That was surprisingly Zen after Saturday’s excitement. I am sure I am one of millions wishing Rich Strike,all the best. Jerry Dixon Jr. sure has a way with him. I hope he can travel on to the Preakness and Belmont Stakes.
Congratulations to all involved with this beautiful horse. Looks like he is quite the character. He looks like my horse “Fuze” He is one of the last born sons of Secretariat and he is a funny boy. They pinfired his legs to early, so his racing days where zilch. He went from being worth a million dollars to five thousand dollars. That’s when I bought him.
@@MikeSmith-cn6ub it’s an old style Veteranary treatment. Where they use small red hot probes to cauterize an injury. It caused his tendon to bow and he could not be used for racing. They do things differently today
When he was running in the derby and coming up on the first horse he looked over and shifted into high gear. He reminds me of sea bisket and man o war. Rich strike is making history. Best of luck..
congradulations to all the Team You all and Rich Strike are the best. An amazing race I love how he sticks out his tongue and plays with it. He is a very hansom athlete Your jockey was amazing. The Derby is history and will never be taken away from you all. One for the history books. If Rich Strike goes to the Preakness I wish everyone the best . I love how you all are so honest and "down to earth"
He is sticking his tongue out to all those who have been shocked and dismayed over his win and those other horses that thought they were going to win. What an amazing race and horse to run like he did from last to first at the last turn and straight away. Gorgeous horse! His tongue out is endearing.
His tongue has no where else to go because they have the chain in his mouth that relaxes him and keeps him calmer. I suspect this guy is a tough one who is pretty wild most times
Sticking tongue out because of the chain in his mouth. It is not a bit and bridle. It is a halter with a chain lead that is in his mouth. Not commonly seen.
@@bobbygoff8766 His tongue sticking out has nothing to do with the chain that is applied over his gums above his front teeth. You don't know what you are talking about. That's like saying every horse that wears a bit would have its tongue sticking out because there's no room for the bit.... ridiculous. The chain doesn't run through his mouth. It's under his front lip above the teeth.
No, that chain goes across his lip to keep him under control unfortunately. That’s what makes his tounge stick out. That was an incredible race. Beautiful
@@mrvjn3 I'll give him credit, though - in the post race interview he took it like a champ. Very gracious about the loss. Me? If my Derby favorite had just lost by a whisker to a $30K claimer, I'd be headed for the bar.
@@yvonneleslie7681 I did not know that! Explains a lot. Mine That Bird remained my second favorite race to visit, behind Secretariat of course, but now there's a new contender for second favorite lol.
Agree. They should probably give the horse to him when the horse retires from racing and the original owners could retain breeding rights. So the horse and man can have a happy retirement on the property ❤
The guy with braids should ask the trainer to show him how to train and let him be an assistant trainer. The man has a great way with horses so would make a good trainer. You can tell just by watching this.
Congratulations to Rich Strike, his Jockey, Sonny Leon and his Owner, Trainer and his Groom, who he loves, and who handles him so well and for whom he behaves like a real gentleman! I like the Trainer's philosophy, "We do what's best for the horse." I hope they have double security for Rich Strike and keep him safe, healthy and happy! Good Luck to this winning Team!
Their connection is undeniable, WOW truly speechless. His groom continually calmed and reassured this beauty. This was a well deserved win, what an amazing team! ❤️🏇
I love this! Congratulations to this beautiful horse and all his keepers. What a wonderful event! I've watched replays over and over, makes me cheer, smile, and brings tears to my eyes every time. What a win!
HE IS A VERY CALM AND TALL GUY.SEEMS CURIOUS AT ALL THE FUSS.MAY GODS BLESSINGS FOLLOW HIM ALL OF CAREER ON AND OFF THE TRACK.ITS A HARD LIFE.I GREW UP AT THE TRACK.I HOPE THEY DO NOT OVER RACE HIM.BUT RESPECT HIM.
Beautiful boy. He has an alert but calm eye, and his body language is relaxed. The lip chain is causing him no problems. He apparently just likes to hang his tongue out. Some horses are goofballs like that.
The lip chain actually releases endorphins which causes a calming effect when used correctly like seen here. Horses that stick their tongue out use that as a pacifier.... he's a 3 year old thumb sucker.
What a fine, handsome steed! Congratulations to all involved. Those equine angels, the spirits of the lost horses, were working to guide this champion through the traffic on the track, to his deserved Legacy.
I worked as a groom down at Hialeah race trach and I found that every single horse would rather bite you kick you or whatever harm they can bestow. They are nasty tempered animals. That gentleman right there takes care of this horse. Rich Strike is in good hands. A big shout out of thank you for sharing this lovely video of the Longshot. Ty
There is no question this magnificent horse has an amazing team behind him! That Jockey looked like he’d already won multiple a Kentucky Derbies, BUT the love between that horse and that groom could be seen by a blind man! 😍 I can’t wait to see the movie one day. There is a story here, lessons, and love, we ALL can benefit from! Congratulations Rich Strike! You’re America’s Darling now! ❤️❤️❤️
Trainer had the confidence following his last four runs. In all those outings the horse was finishing with a burst of speed to be at the board. So trainer took a chance in the last minute which paid.
one can get in a car to see what man has made but one must get on a horse to see what God has made -author unknown what a great race and an amazing horse!
On to the Preakness and maybe Belmont. The journey for Reed and company is going all the way to the Breeders Cup. That win is box office for them and racing.Its like a G league player blocked Micheal Jordans winning shot attempt at the buzzer in game 7. It will never be forgotten. The horses name alone is worth a cocktail. He went by while saying did you guys see me. My name is Closer.
Been seeing a lot of questions about the tongue and the lip chain so will do my best to answer them. First off, the lip chain is going over the gum and teeth, so his tongue is not over it, it is under the chain (which you can see throughout the video). The lip chain is used to help give the grooms some added control. When used properly, which it looks like it is here, it does not cause the horse pain, it is more so sitting there as an emergency control if the horse acts up. Horses a lot of times are like children, they do not necessarily know what will and won't hurt them, so the grooms need to be able to keep them out of harm's way. I know to non-horse people (and even some horse people) it looks strange and potentially painful, but it is their to help assist in protecting the horse. Ritchie is in an unusual situation. If you saw immediately after the race, he's been known to get a little bit bitey. His handlers did not know how he was going to react to having all the people watching him, so they preemptively gave themselves more control so they could guide him out of risky scenarios had they unfolded. It turned out, in my opinion, that he handled it great and probably didn't need the help, but you still take the precaution. The chain a lot of times can also have a pacifying effect. You see him moving his mouth around and playing with it quite a bit. Just like a baby with a pacifier, sucking on it can help him remain calm and also just give him something to do while he just stands there for his pictures. Seeing a horse stick his tongue out like that is not uncommon. Some horses just feel more comfortable keeping it out like that. During races, many horses have their tongues tied down to help keep their airways open and prevent displacement of the soft palate, but some like running with their tongue sticking out the side of their mouth (like a dog in a moving car). There is nothing in his mouth forcing him to keep his tongue out, he is choosing to do that either because it's more comfortable or just because he likes it. That's the easiest way I can try to explain it. I know there's a lot of non-horse people here asking questions, and to you all I say welcome! I hope Ritchie got you excited and enjoying the Derby and racing. I am sure there will be people that respond to this comment with all sorts of other theories, "proof" and "experience" to argue what I have said, so you can believe what you want. However, through my experience and schooling, this is the best way I can explain what is going on. The chain is there for the benefit of the horse's safety. It doesn't look like it is causing him any pain, but even if it is causing him slight discomfort in the moment, it is still helping to keep him safe. Thank you all for watching and I hope you're cheering on Ritchie in the Belmont on June 11th!
If he continues to perform as he did in the derby, he could easily win the triple. I watched the aerial view where it looked like somebody lit a rocket booster on his azz on the last stretch. Unbelievable.
This is a tough sport. Nothing is given to you. Dreams come and go but the love of the game keeps you fighting on. It's the same dream that is carried on from the bush tracks to the elite world of horse racing. It's about the LOVE of the game! Horse racing is the greats sport on earth.
I don’t have any connections with horses, don’t go to the derby, don’t bet…but, I have become FASCINATED with THIS horse and THIS race! Have watched the race over and over, the jockey and horse worked together like a well-oiled machine!! Talk about a Cinderella story…in this case…meet the new “Cinderella Man”!!! 😘
I hope they gave the groom a big part of the winnings. I have always believed the groom has as much responsibility for the success of a horse as the trainer. There should be an Eclipse award for top groom. Name it after Eddie Sweat, Secretariat's groom.
Not only did Rich Strike go into overdrive once in the stretch but twice. He had to interrupt his momentum to go around Messier then resumed his unbelievable drive and was still accelerating past the wire. WOW. Thats impossible!
He is a character! It seems to me that he really enjoyed the Derby and all it's grandeur. I have him run this race over and over and he brightens my day every time. And so do his people. He is so cool. Ya can't not like a horse with his spirit and the way he gained ground running past 5he entire field when it counted most, and especially at the end when he really had to dig. This horse pumped out a rebirth for horse racing and horses in general, everywhere. -made it all fun again
Rich Strikes name wasn't called but twice after leaving the gate and when he snuck up on the rail for the win. Halfway through the homestretch I still wouldn't have called him a winner not even close. So crazy. Congratulation to the groom, job well done who never are given credit.
So is that not unusual? I’m so relieved to hear that if so! I thought maybe his tongue was injured. Glad to know it may be one of this beauties ‘traits’❤️❤️
Mr. Reed trained this animal to his potential, it is in the “Blood”; Keen Ice, Raise A Native, Native Dancer! This animal properly handled, which he will be, as witnessed, has restored our hope and faith, not only in horse racing, but humanity as well!
It doesn't matter who owns the horse. That groom owns his heart. That is his horse. I hope whatever happens after his career, Rich Strike and his groom find a way to stay connected. Congratulations!
FRFR! His name is Jerry Dixon Jr and he’s giving me Eddie Sweat. The horse might not be his, but he is the horse’s guy!!
@@ashleymeggan Eddie Sweat. I was thinking about the deep connection he had to Secretariat. "He wasn't an animal. To me, he was a human being!"
@@WickedFelina that part!
Agree with you 100%. This beautiful horse trusts his groomer and he loves it. He is very comfortable with the groomer. I pray they stay together. The horse will look forward to seeing his groom. Their buddies now and as we see it here. He's such a magnificent horse. I love him and the groom together. What a great team Great job!.
I agree. The groomer is it!
The young man with the braids has such a connection with him. He just calms right down when he's petting him.
Clearly his person
If you don't have real affection for horses, you won't be a groom. It's kind of a job requirement.
That groom with the braids kissed the horse after the race!! He was so happy!
I would too. Hahaa. Calm down I mean!
He “pets” him. I haven’t seen a lot of that with race horses. To me it usually looks like all business.
Really the groom UNDERSTANDS his horse. He’s constantly calming him and reassuring him and comforting him. 🤔❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thrilled for Rich Strike and everyone connected with his Kentucky Derby win! A Master Class in how a horse and jockey positioned in the 21st gate (which was the first problem in a race), managed to maneuver and find the "holes" and "opportunities" to make it through the pack of 20 other horses and...WIN! That race will go down in history as a win that was successfully won fair and square with good honest horsemanship and no Bob Baffert underhandedness. BRAVO!
Yes, gate hole 21. This horse won despite going the greatest distance.
It surely will. Most exciting sports event in a long time.
Saddle cloth 21(also eligible), but the far outside gate, #20. Actually was to his advantage because he encountered no interference.
What a beautiful horse! And a great jockey to boot.
@@sandymoseley You can be sure, unfortunately, that rival competitors are currently plotting strategies to prevent a second win if he goes to the Preakness. Leon stated that the horse likes the rail position. Let's hope that comment was a ruse. But they will block/hinder and make him work even harder to get the next jewel in the crown. I, for one, would like to see him spank them again!
Did anyone notice when Jr comes around how the horse just immediately have a calmer demeaner?
I don't miss those poultice days. All these workers work hard and they're also winners. Bravo to the whole team for bring back the true meaning of racing.
Jerry Dixon Jr and Rich Strike have stolen my heart. Truly nothing more heartwarming than the bond they share! All American Love Story! #AgainstAllOdds 🥰
A TRUE AMERICAN STORY !! The Story is SO American just like American Pie !!! Mr. Reed Almost lost everything because of a fire and folks jump in and help him recover and he ends up at the Derby and WINS!! A GREAT Jockey from Venezuela rides a gusty race and ONLY in America can this happen and that is why America is GREAT and will always be GREAT. GOD Bless all Americans and GOD Bless Mr. Reed and his family and especially his Father!! Times are tough for the majority and it’s stories like this that make us dream and make us proud to be an American. There are hundreds of “feel” good stories that take place EVERY day in our country but the news media prefers to print negativity thus convincing a lot of Americans WE are bad people…..WE are NOT bad, WE are GOOD people, all of us….White, Black, Asian, etc. and etc. and WE will NOT allow politicians who have sold their souls to defeat the good.
AMEN🙏🏻🙏🏻
Yes it is.
woo hoo!!
As a Puertorican….Amen to this
What else can be said. E.A.
The way he leans into that handler with the blue shirt, now there is his friend. I loved watching this . Thanks
That is a great team there.
You guys are the unsung heroes of the Derby.
Thanks so much for teaching us a valuable lesson : “So the last will be first, and the first will be last”. Love ❤️ you Rich Strike. Faith faith people is what we need always. Let’s support horse 🐎 racing !!!
Amen!
@Jeff -66 hehehe you are absolutely right. We were there, and my hubby bid on Zandon 🥲
yes Lord,Amen ❤❤
Put the quote on my daily quotes at work. 🐎
Congratulations to this trainer and his team. That was an awesome race.
He is so well aware of his ACCOMPLISHMENT. Great job by all . Best story EVER .Love the ENDING.
He’s mugging for the camera. Posing for everyone.
beautiful, this horse has the heart of a warrior, came out of nowhere with fire, true rich spirit!
His handler is fantastic.. great team
That horse is a champion.. he is on top of his game and is looking forward to becoming quite possibly the most talked about horse ever. This is great. I'm happy for all of the team.. best race I've seen probably ever. My mom passed away a little over 4 years ago and we would watch the Kentucky derby together for the last 20 or so. Today she missed a good one she would have loved. On mother's day of all days.. Love you Mom..
I watched Secretariat win all three with my mom.
That horse loves the young man with the braids!! Wonderful to see!!!
See he doesn’t live in a mansion or any place fancy . He is back to his normal HABITAT . Life of some real CHAMPIONS.❤️
Well said !! 🤩
He's still at Churchill Downs. He may live in a mansion at home.
@@dovesrun Listen The Kentucky Derby Winner was taken by Horse transportation back to his STALL at the Evans STABLE .
@@christopherchannelmarlo3227 Well in this video he's still at Churchill Downs! I really don't think they would be running him back and forth.
@@RosebudBB That’s not how it works in THIS Industry You win and go back home unless you have a permanent stall .Meaning the Trainer has his stable at Churchill Downs . This is not the case . Rich Strike is stabled at Equine a more private Facility .
I hope we get to hear more about rich strike and his trainer,owner, and crew as well . I just love a good story. And yes I believe it's all in a day's work.
Thank you for sharing this; it brings back 8 years of memories as a groom. If I had a dollar for every leg I bandaged, I know I'd be quite wealthy. I got to know Eddie Sweat, the groom of Secretariat; he was a once-in-a-lifetime horse. And this Derby was a real thing of beauty to watch. How much you wanna bet he'll never run at 81:1 odds again? I'm very interested to see how Rich Strike proceeds in his career.
What a horse! I think he knows it too. The best for all involved in the care of this great animal.
What is that white stuff they are washing off his legs? Is it bandages??
@@PlainOlPatty I dont know looks like some type of plaster that protects their legs. I would like to know too.
@@PlainOlPatty ... that is called "poultice". It's like "mud".. and you wet your hands, reach in the bucket of mud and grab a handful, then slide it over the horse's leg. Covering well, but not "too" thick. Poulticing a horse after a hard workout is a time-honored treatment for drawing out pain, fluid, and inflammation from horses' legs. A poultice is great as it keeps a horse from stocking up (swelling). :)
@@PlainOlPatty It's a poultice. Just reduces any inflammation in the legs from his great effort.
Rich Strike ran the Kentucky just like another great come from behind beautiful young horse of legend... the great - the one and only SEA BISCUIT!!!!
It is nice to see Sea Biscuit remembered. It’d be nice if Rich Strike would do as well.
Sea biscuit didn't run in the Kentucky derby. Ding dong
Secretariat too!
That boy showed them how to do it. So cool with him looking at the horses as he passed.
Look at him! He's so receptive to engaging with the AUDIENCE. Wow!
I hope these guys tell the horse directly Thank You! I say it to my cats and dogs and they understand me.
That's a good one,it does make you cry for the horse. He knows he won,but he just don't know what he won.He won the hearts of millions.It also reflect why animals has such a great effect on us. That is because their love and our love is unconditional. Unlike hand who tend to lie about everything and won't help a frog to the pond.
The groom treats him right. He KNOWS his horse.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
The powerhouse is the grooms. The caretakers. Of any horse.
Great team.
Thank you for giving the grooms their story.
such a good boy! something so powerful about nature. in the world of technology and apathy, this is an amazing breath of fresh air and a reminder that love is the answer
Mindblowing once in a lifetime race! 🏇 Congrats to Rich Strike 😋 and his team!
That horse is a beast, he looks like an top athlete. Love his proportions and musculature. He looked like he could win the triple crown. No horse runs at that pace at the back of the pack for the first half mile, still gains ground, fights for the lead and wins. Excellent combination of speed and stamina. If you looked at the race you could actually see his movement into another gear after he overtook Messier on the stretch. That horse still had more to give. Hope they enter him in the remaining two races for the triple crown. That horse is a special horse. He looks like Secretariat's distant cousin. If he goes to the Preakness, he has to be mid pack at the start of the race and at least third coming into the final stretch, because it is the shortest of the three triple crown races.
I'm so glad you said hitting another gear! I thought the same thing and he was moving away but the race was over. It would have been more than a length!
@@jayzimmer1224 If this is you yes. E.A.
@@jayzimmer1224 I agree with you 100%.
Another gear with Messeir, I agree.
I read that he’s a descendant of Secretariat!! Definitely inherited his drive, spirit and spunk!
This horse had to win, the love that the trainer and his assistants feel for that horse is priceless, it is pure love, blessed be America, there is something special about that horse, I am more than sure that he will win the Triple Crown, the whole world will have their eyes on this wonderful horse, I want to see him run in the Dubai Derby.
He will not race in the 2nd leg of the Triple Crown (Preakness Stakes), owner and trainer said that they don't want to push the horse to run on 2 weeks rest, we gotta remember that Rich Strike was a a last minute sub and it's a huge risk for the horse given that he wasn't programmed to participate and much less run all 3 races, he will run in the 3rd leg the Belmont Stakes.
THRILLED IS THE WORD....thanks, to all of you for my most memorable DERBY in my almost 69 years....!!! What a gorgeous horse!!! What wonderful people caring for him...loved the team's picture taking....all of them knowing what a moment this is!!! Thank you!!!
They may own the horse but the horse loves his groom. They are bonded.....that why he is calm because of his groom
Thank you, again. That was surprisingly Zen after Saturday’s excitement. I am sure I am one of millions wishing Rich Strike,all the best. Jerry Dixon Jr. sure has a way with him. I hope he can travel on to the Preakness and Belmont Stakes.
That horse calms right down with his BFF groom next to him. It's a beautiful thing to see. This human gained this horse's entire trust.
So beautiful 🥲🥲🥲it’s all about the connection with animals! I love Rich Strike and pulling for him!
I like his owner too. He is so grateful,to all the people involved with RS. This has to be turned into a movie too.
Jerry Dixon Jr. you sir know what you are doing. I’m so happy the horse has you ❤️
Congratulations to all involved with this beautiful horse. Looks like he is quite the character. He looks like my horse “Fuze”
He is one of the last born sons of Secretariat and he is a funny boy. They pinfired his legs to early, so his racing days where zilch. He went from being worth a million dollars to five thousand dollars. That’s when I bought him.
Whats pilfired his legs? To early
If he still has his nuts breed him
Secretariat was the greatest ever!
@@MikeSmith-cn6ub it’s an old style Veteranary treatment. Where they use small red hot probes to cauterize an injury. It caused his tendon to bow and he could not be used for racing. They do things differently today
Does he look like Secretariat?
When he was running in the derby and coming up on the first horse he looked over and shifted into high gear. He reminds me of sea bisket and man o war. Rich strike is making history. Best of luck..
congradulations to all the Team You all and Rich Strike are the best. An amazing race I love how he sticks out his tongue and plays with it. He is a very hansom athlete
Your jockey was amazing. The Derby is history and will never be taken away from you all.
One for the history books.
If Rich Strike goes to the Preakness I wish everyone the best .
I love how you all are so honest and "down to earth"
I don’t think he is doing that naturally. His tongue is tied.
@@h2oratt2000 I believe he is a biter.
Any given day when the conditions are right. Track, weather etc anyone can win. That's the beauty of the kentucky Derby.
That’s why 20 horses always enter
You think he knows how special he is now? I would think he does by all the attention he’s getting! Congratulations on your win!
Yes I think he knows
He is sticking his tongue out to all those who have been shocked and dismayed over his win and those other horses that thought they were going to win. What an amazing race and horse to run like he did from last to first at the last turn and straight away. Gorgeous horse! His tongue out is endearing.
His tongue has no where else to go because they have the chain in his mouth that relaxes him and keeps him calmer. I suspect this guy is a tough one who is pretty wild most times
Sticking tongue out because of the chain in his mouth. It is not a bit and bridle. It is a halter with a chain lead that is in his mouth. Not commonly seen.
@@bobbygoff8766 His tongue sticking out has nothing to do with the chain that is applied over his gums above his front teeth. You don't know what you are talking about. That's like saying every horse that wears a bit would have its tongue sticking out because there's no room for the bit.... ridiculous. The chain doesn't run through his mouth. It's under his front lip above the teeth.
No, that chain goes across his lip to keep him under control unfortunately. That’s what makes his tounge stick out.
That was an incredible race. Beautiful
@@bdmbpm1467 where do you come from? it’s common to do with race horses.
What a horse! What a team! Congratulations Team Rich Strike! 💐 (thanks, great video!)
This horse is surrounded by LOVE ❤️ and it shows! Excellent coverage here! Thank you for sharing! 👍
Congrats! We all love a surprise ending. Been watching for years. Great race!
I'm not so sure Steve Asmussen would agree with that opinion, but there is always next year! 😉
@@DoubleDogDare54 He got to be sick at this one
@@mrvjn3 I'll give him credit, though - in the post race interview he took it like a champ. Very gracious about the loss. Me? If my Derby favorite had just lost by a whisker to a $30K claimer, I'd be headed for the bar.
What an incredible looking horse! What a day!
That race reminds me of the 2009 Ky .Derby When Mine that Bird came from last to first. Awesome, both races.
And then Rachel Alexandra won the Preakness. 2009 was a heck of a race year.
And Mine That Bird and Rich Strike both have the same grandpa - Smart Strike!
@@yvonneleslie7681 I did not know that! Explains a lot. Mine That Bird remained my second favorite race to visit, behind Secretariat of course, but now there's a new contender for second favorite lol.
Would love to hear the young man's (braids) story about all this. The bond between that horse and that man is special for sure.
I saw a photo of him crying like a proud papa!
His name is Jerry Dixon Jr.!
I read the Dixons have been around for a couple of generations as groomers and handlers. Horse ppl through and through.
Agree. They should probably give the horse to him when the horse retires from racing and the original owners could retain breeding rights. So the horse and man can have a happy retirement on the property ❤
The guy with braids should ask the trainer to show him how to train and let him be an assistant trainer. The man has a great way with horses so would make a good trainer. You can tell just by watching this.
Great video. I love it that we can just look at him as long as we want to. I can't get enough of this beautiful boy.
Congratulations to Rich Strike, his Jockey, Sonny Leon and his Owner, Trainer and his Groom, who he loves, and who handles him so well and for whom he behaves like a real gentleman! I like the Trainer's philosophy, "We do what's best for the horse." I hope they have double security for Rich Strike and keep him safe, healthy and happy! Good Luck to this winning Team!
Their connection is undeniable, WOW truly speechless. His groom continually calmed and reassured this beauty. This was a well deserved win, what an amazing team! ❤️🏇
I love this! Congratulations to this beautiful horse and all his keepers. What a wonderful event! I've watched replays over and over, makes me cheer, smile, and brings tears to my eyes every time. What a win!
That horse knows he is being stared at , he’s checking his audience lol
HE IS A VERY CALM AND TALL GUY.SEEMS CURIOUS AT ALL THE FUSS.MAY GODS BLESSINGS FOLLOW HIM ALL OF CAREER ON AND OFF THE TRACK.ITS A HARD LIFE.I GREW UP AT THE TRACK.I HOPE THEY DO NOT OVER RACE HIM.BUT RESPECT HIM.
That's funny you said that the first thing the owner said was that he will not run him and make him tired it's all about how he feels
@@ddlove6531 yes I think he said every 5 weeks is the most he would race him. And that is if he is feeling good and has no other issues. ❤️
The horse's posture lets you know who REALLY owns that horse. God bless the grooms❤🙏🏾 i see you
Beautiful boy. He has an alert but calm eye, and his body language is relaxed. The lip chain is causing him no problems. He apparently just likes to hang his tongue out. Some horses are goofballs like that.
The lip chain actually releases endorphins which causes a calming effect when used correctly like seen here. Horses that stick their tongue out use that as a pacifier.... he's a 3 year old thumb sucker.
LOL. I WAS WONDRRING ABOUT THAT.
Yea! I wasn't about to ask and get horse shamed! 😂 I had to search for a tongue comment!
@@candijogriffin220 ruclips.net/video/YOYxT12BAHY/видео.html
@@candijogriffin220 Yeah, and I had to be the one to ask. Just waiting to get attacked. ---
Congratulations! Hard work paid off! Looks like a great team.
If he can win the preakness its all over in the belmont
I agree. The Preakness will be a challenge. Hope he can do it!
What a fine, handsome steed!
Congratulations to all involved.
Those equine angels, the spirits of the lost horses, were working to guide this champion through the traffic on the track, to his deserved
Legacy.
!!!!
Well put!!! ❤️❤️❤️
that horse is a Alpha. he stared down the other horses as he passed them. incredible.
Yes he did !
when hosre felt he had them measure horse put he head straight
I was thinking the same
I worked as a groom down at Hialeah race trach and I found that every single horse would rather bite you kick you or whatever harm they can bestow. They are nasty tempered animals. That gentleman right there takes care of this horse. Rich Strike is in good hands.
A big shout out of thank you for sharing this lovely video of the Longshot. Ty
Great race. A True Champion. ❤️
Thanks for the peek at this year's hero!
There is no question this magnificent horse has an amazing team behind him! That Jockey looked like he’d already won multiple a Kentucky Derbies, BUT the love between that horse and that groom could be seen by a blind man! 😍 I can’t wait to see the movie one day. There is a story here, lessons, and love, we ALL can benefit from! Congratulations Rich Strike! You’re America’s Darling now! ❤️❤️❤️
Trainer had the confidence following his last four runs. In all those outings the horse was finishing with a burst of speed to be at the board. So trainer took a chance in the last minute which paid.
Rich Strike is a beauty! I hope he is always treated with love and respect by everyone.
I love this horses tongue! It’s nice to see how his people allow him to just be him.
one can get in a car to see what man has made but one must get on a horse to see what God has made
-author unknown
what a great race and an amazing horse!
You can tell… Their success is LOVE !!! AWSOME job on that pony guys !
On to the Preakness and maybe Belmont. The journey for Reed and company is going all the way to the Breeders Cup. That win is box office for them and racing.Its like a G league player blocked Micheal Jordans winning shot attempt at the buzzer in game 7. It will never be forgotten. The horses name alone is worth a cocktail. He went by while saying did you guys see me. My name is Closer.
Been seeing a lot of questions about the tongue and the lip chain so will do my best to answer them.
First off, the lip chain is going over the gum and teeth, so his tongue is not over it, it is under the chain (which you can see throughout the video). The lip chain is used to help give the grooms some added control. When used properly, which it looks like it is here, it does not cause the horse pain, it is more so sitting there as an emergency control if the horse acts up. Horses a lot of times are like children, they do not necessarily know what will and won't hurt them, so the grooms need to be able to keep them out of harm's way. I know to non-horse people (and even some horse people) it looks strange and potentially painful, but it is their to help assist in protecting the horse. Ritchie is in an unusual situation. If you saw immediately after the race, he's been known to get a little bit bitey. His handlers did not know how he was going to react to having all the people watching him, so they preemptively gave themselves more control so they could guide him out of risky scenarios had they unfolded. It turned out, in my opinion, that he handled it great and probably didn't need the help, but you still take the precaution.
The chain a lot of times can also have a pacifying effect. You see him moving his mouth around and playing with it quite a bit. Just like a baby with a pacifier, sucking on it can help him remain calm and also just give him something to do while he just stands there for his pictures. Seeing a horse stick his tongue out like that is not uncommon. Some horses just feel more comfortable keeping it out like that. During races, many horses have their tongues tied down to help keep their airways open and prevent displacement of the soft palate, but some like running with their tongue sticking out the side of their mouth (like a dog in a moving car). There is nothing in his mouth forcing him to keep his tongue out, he is choosing to do that either because it's more comfortable or just because he likes it.
That's the easiest way I can try to explain it. I know there's a lot of non-horse people here asking questions, and to you all I say welcome! I hope Ritchie got you excited and enjoying the Derby and racing. I am sure there will be people that respond to this comment with all sorts of other theories, "proof" and "experience" to argue what I have said, so you can believe what you want. However, through my experience and schooling, this is the best way I can explain what is going on. The chain is there for the benefit of the horse's safety. It doesn't look like it is causing him any pain, but even if it is causing him slight discomfort in the moment, it is still helping to keep him safe. Thank you all for watching and I hope you're cheering on Ritchie in the Belmont on June 11th!
Great explanation, thank you!
Rich Strike just has the look of a Champion. Congratulations to all you guys.
If he continues to perform as he did in the derby, he could easily win the triple. I watched the aerial view where it looked like somebody lit a rocket booster on his azz on the last stretch. Unbelievable.
i really want a coparision of that pace to other hot races...
Lmao!!!!
Unforgettable, Amazing! Beautiful!!
What a beautiful beast...Congrats.
It's always nice to see a shiny coat and a robust body after a hard 1.25 mile race a day prior.
This is a tough sport. Nothing is given to you. Dreams come and go but the love of the game keeps you fighting on. It's the same dream that is carried on from the bush tracks to the elite world of horse racing. It's about the LOVE of the game! Horse racing is the greats sport on earth.
I don’t have any connections with horses, don’t go to the derby, don’t bet…but, I have become FASCINATED with THIS horse and THIS race! Have watched the race over and over, the jockey and horse worked together like a well-oiled machine!! Talk about a Cinderella story…in this case…meet the new “Cinderella Man”!!! 😘
We all have that horse that pulls you in. Mine was Barbaro
still watching 2023 the best very best horse Rich Strike's jejeje..😘😘😘
That’s alot of love between horse and groom!
He is SO in love with his groomer. Love it!
Looks like a happy boy! Standing on three legs all relaxed and not sore at all!
Positively amazing to watch the horse and jockey maneuver to a spectacular win!
Congratulations!!!
I hope they gave the groom a big part of the winnings. I have always believed the groom has as much responsibility for the success of a horse as the trainer. There should be an Eclipse award for top groom. Name it after Eddie Sweat, Secretariat's groom.
What was compelling is the way he was relating to his handlers.
Now that is one relationship so damn special
Brings good tears to my eyes.
The horse is like "Epi-who?"
He’s a star!! I’m in love ❤️⭐️
This horse is God given! What a blessing!❤
Nice to see him so calm and relaxed … he loves getting massaged. And he loves attention, like all men!
Not only did Rich Strike go into overdrive once in the stretch but twice. He had to interrupt his momentum to go around Messier then resumed his unbelievable drive and was still accelerating past the wire. WOW. Thats impossible!
And staring down horses as he passed them!!!!
He is a character! It seems to me that he really enjoyed the Derby and all it's grandeur. I have him run this race over and over and he brightens my day every time. And so do his people. He is so cool. Ya can't not like a horse with his spirit and the way he gained ground running past 5he entire field when it counted most, and especially at the end when he really had to dig. This horse pumped out a rebirth for horse racing and horses in general, everywhere. -made it all fun again
That horse loves and trusts those people, especially the guy with the braids. Nice to see.
The perfect name for that sweet boy-Sudden Impact…..!!! The most incredible story this century!
Rich Strikes name wasn't called but twice after leaving the gate and when he snuck up on the rail for the win. Halfway through the homestretch I still wouldn't have called him a winner not even close. So crazy.
Congratulation to the groom, job well done who never are given credit.
he’s a warrior friends check out that beautiful white sword of a blaze he has
Rich Strike’s story has inspired people all over the world.
I remember another champ who stuck his tongue out and wore 23.
So is that not unusual? I’m so relieved to hear that if so! I thought maybe his tongue was injured. Glad to know it may be one of this beauties ‘traits’❤️❤️
Mr. Reed trained this animal to his potential, it is in the “Blood”; Keen Ice, Raise A Native, Native Dancer! This animal properly handled, which he will be, as witnessed, has restored our hope and faith, not only in horse racing, but humanity as well!
That is a happy horse.