Rich Strike to Country House: Biggest upsets in Kentucky Derby history

Rich Strike, with odds of 80-1 stacked against him, won the Kentucky Derby in dramatic fashion, causing the second-biggest upset in the race’s 148-year history. The Calumet Farm-bred colt, who was a replacement for Ethereal Road, beat favourites Epicenter and Zandon and now is in contention to become only the 14th horse in the sport’s history to win a Triple Crown.

Also read: Who is Sonny Leon, Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike’s jockey?

The season will continue at Preakness Stakes in Baltimore on May 21 and conclude at Belmont Stakes in New York on June 11.

The draft for Churchill Downs was full. All 20 horses were named and Rich Strike was not amongst them. However, Ethereal Road withdrew late Friday giving trainer Eric Reed’s horse a shot to fame. 

Also read: Kentucky Derby 2022: Payout for betting on surprise winner Rich Strike

However, Rich Strike is not the biggest upset of Kentucky Derby. The honour lies with Donerail from 1913. The colt started at No 5 with 91-1 odds. It was trailing for a majority part of the race but made a pass in the final stretch to win. A $2 winning amount returned $184.90. That would be worth $5,480.36 today, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Rich Strike now ranks second all time, with a $2 win bet returning $163.60.

Also read: Who is Eric Reed, Kentuck Derby-winning horse Rich Strike’s trainer?

Here is a look at the biggest upsets of the Run for the Roses:

1913 Donerail 91-1: The horse started fifth and passed the rest of the field in the final sixteenth of the mile. 

Also read: Donald Trump to host $75k per-person fundraiser at the Kentucky Derby: What we know

2019 Country House 65-1: Maximum Security had won the race. However, a late review went against him and it became the first winner to ever be outright disqualified. Country House, who was second by three-fourth lengths, was then declared winner. 

2005 Giacomo 50-1: Giacomo denied Afleet Alex a Triple Crown with a slim win at Kentucy Derby.