Social media explodes after Rich Strike’s upset in Kentucky Derby originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
It might’ve been cloudy in Louisville, but Rich Strike struck Churchill Downs with major thunder.
Despite having 80-1 odds to win, Rich Strike pulled off a stunning upset in the 148th Kentucky Derby on Saturday.
An absolutely stunning upset! Rich Strike WINS the @KentuckyDerby! #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/2pVcVnPq2N
With the win, Rich Strike and jockey Sonny Leon became the second-biggest longshot win in Kentucky Derby history. The first was back in 1913 when Donerail won from the No. 1 post with 91-1 odds.
Rich Strike wasn’t even in the front frame for most of the race. The initial three-way battle was between Summer is Tomorrow, Messier and Crown Pride (Japan) until Epicenter, the favorite to win the Derby, and Zandon made big pushes near the final turn.
That was until Rich Strike, who wasn’t even supposed to race until Ethereal Road was a late scratch on Friday, lapped all the horses to win the prize.
Rich Strike wins the Kentucky Derby!! pic.twitter.com/K5HVvxt0G7
Here’s what social media had to say after the shocking finish:
OH MY GOOOODNESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS ð²ð²ð²ð²ð²ð²ð² RICH STRIKE HAS WON THE #KENTUCKYDERBY!!!!!
The BIGGEST upset in the history of the Kentucky Derby. Rich Strike WINS. 80-1 odds this morning. #KentuckyDerby | #KentuckyDerby148
How the person who bet on rich strike sleeping tonight pic.twitter.com/BnbNn3aFol
Rich Strike: pic.twitter.com/5rXqGxed0h
ONE OF THE BIGGEST UPSETS IN KENTUCKY DERBY HISTORY ð³ 80-1 UNDERDOG RICH STRIKE WINS IT!
Twitter also got off some jokes after Rich Strike started to get into it with other horses after crossing the finish line:
Rich Strike wins the Derby and immediately starts trying to eat the other horses.pic.twitter.com/hFJ5jOy1z4
Rich Strike is the first horse Iâve ever been a fan of. Strolls in like he owned the place despite the fact he wasnât even supposed to be there. Torched the favorites in the home stretch. Then immediately fights other horses. Brilliant. Absolutely love it.#KentuckyDerby
80-1?! Rich Strike just upset the world and is now trying to fight other horses. king.
Rich Strike may get flagged for excessive celebration.
Rich Strike never had a first-place finish in three races prior to Saturday. Now, the longshot horse is enshrined in the history books.