Jockey Sonny Leon reacts as Rich Strike wins the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 7 in Louisville, Ky. Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Rich Strike, an 80-1 long shot, won the Kentucky Derby launching a late charge to beat Epicenter and Zandon into second and third place on Saturday.
What they're saying: "I about fell down in the paddock when he hit the wire," said winning trainer Eric Reed after the race, per AP. "I about passed out."
The big picture: The 148th running of the Kentucky Derby was the first time Churchill Downs did not have a cap on attendance since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Masks were also not required this year.
- Organizers projected that attendance Saturday could break the record of 170,513 set in 2015.
By the numbers: The Kentucky Derby prize purse is $3 million. It is split among the first through fifth-place finishers, CBS Sports writes.
- The winner will receive $1.86 million, and the second-place finisher gets $600,000.
- Third, fourth and fifth place finishers receive $300,000, $150,000 and $90,000, respectively.
Of note: Trainer Bob Baffert was not at the Derby this year. He received a two-year ban after his record seventh win last year was stripped due to a failed drug test.
- Medina Spirit, the horse in question, died during a workout last December.
- Baffert will also miss this year's Preakness and Belmont Stakes due to the ban.
Editor's note: This article has been updated with comment from trainer Eric Reed and to include second and third placings.