Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott is taking over the conditioning of Rich Strike, the 80-1 winner of the 2022 Kentucky Derby.
“Bill & I have had a number of conversations over the last couple weeks and I feel very confident Richie will be in great care & oversight,” owner Rick Dawson said in announcing the decision. “I can't thank Bill enough for accepting the task of training Richie to his full potential.”
Mott replaces Eric Reed, who stepped aside May 11 because of a disagreement with Dawson over a deal to do movies about Rich Strike's 80-1 Kentucky Derby win. It was announced May 4 that Omaha Productions, the media company owned by former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning, agreed to make a documentary and a scripted film.
Rich Strike and eight other horses owned by Dawson were moved May 12 from Reed's Mercury Equine Center in Lexington, Ky., to Blackwood Stables in nearby Versailles.
Rich Strike is 0-for-6 since the Kentucky Derby and has had one start this year, finishing fifth in the Alysheba (G2) on May 5.
Dawson said he is turned out for about 30 days of rest.
“Richie will have another checkup in a week or so & then again in another couple weeks. Once his condition is as perfect as can be expected & ready for a training schedule he will move to Bill's capable management at a location to be determined.”
