LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Oaks fans were able to catch last year’s come-from-behind Derby winner, Rich Strike at the track Friday. 

The 4-year-old ran in the Alysheba, his first race since the Clark Stakes in late November. 

What You Need To Know

  • 2022 Derby winner Rich Strike returned to Churchill Downs for the Alysheba on Oaks Day

  • It was his first race in six months 

  • Rich Strike finished fifth  

  • Smile Happy and jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. won the race

Trainer Eric Reed told Spectrum News 1 last week that he wanted a race to shake off the rust ahead of the Stephen Foster this summer. 

"He’s raring to go," Reed said before the race Friday. "Distance might not be his best, but you got to start somewhere and this will set up the rest of the year." 

The 80-1 longshot in Derby 148 who stunned the world has continued racing since then.

"You put him in the right spot and you take care of him the best you can and then you know, what’s going to happen’s going to happen, so we’re ready and he’s ready," said Reed from the paddock.

Smile Happy and jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. won the Alysheba and Rich Strike finished fifth out of a field of six horses. 

“I’m unusually disappointed in the effort," Reed said, according to a race recap from Churchill Downs. "I’m not sure what’s going on. I expected him to finish better. He was where he was supposed to be but he didn’t fire at all.”

Christine Fielding of New York bet on Rich Strike last year and was excited to see him again Friday, even if it wasn't his day. 

"It still is a glorious day and we’ll always remember Rich Strike because he really made my day last year," she said. 

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