LEXINGTON, Ky. — Rich Strike won't be trying his luck at the Triple Crown this year. Owner Rick Dawson said on Thursday that his Derby-winning colt would be skipping the May 21 Preakness Stakes in Baltimore.

What You Need To Know

  • Rich Strike will not run in the Preakness Stakes

  • The surprise Derby winner's owner announced Thursday that they'll be skipping the second jewel of the Triple Crown

  • The colt could still race in June's Belmont Stakes, owner Rick Dawson said

Dawson released a statement Thursday afternoon confirming that Rich Strike will not be running in the Preakness, but will pursue a post position in the Belmont Stakes in June.

The original plan was all contingent on the outcome of the Kentucky Derby and the post-race recovery of Rich Strike, Dawson said. 

"After much discussion & consideration with my trainer, Eric Reed & a few others, we are going to stay with our plan of what's best for Ritchie is what's best for our group," Dawson said in a statement.

Dawson signaled that they'd "point toward" running in the Belmont Stakes instead.

The withdrawal comes as Sonny Leon, the jockey that rode Rich Strike to victory, is serving a four-day suspension handed down by Ohio racing stewards. The suspension is a result of careless riding during the third race on April 27 at Thistledown Racecourse, east of Cleveland, and is not related to the Kentucky Derby.

Days after the Derby, winning trainer Eric Reed was questioned on ESPN about a past tweet referencing Vice President Kamala Harris that was resurfaced shortly after his win.

Reed's Twitter account has since been placed on private.

The 147th Preakness Stakes runs Saturday, May 21 at 6:50 p.m. in Baltimore, Maryland.

Related Stories