Kentucky Derby 2022 Winner: Eric Reed, Rich Strike's Celebration, Reaction

Rich Strike, who came into the Run for the Roses dead last in the field at 80-1 odds, emerged victorious in one of the biggest upsets in the history of the Kentucky Derby.

The chestnut colt, trained by Eric R. Reed and owned by Red TR- Racing, was not expected to run in the Kentucky Derby. He was the first alternate after Ethereal Road was scratched.

Sonny Leon rode the three-year-old colt to the front of the pack after starting at gate 21.

Leon and Rich Strike maneuvered past some horses early on, then took their position on the rail and surged to the front of the pack as the favorites began to tire.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

RICH STRIKE (80-1) IS YOUR WINNER OF THE 148TH KENTUCKY DERBY! 🏇 WHAT A FINISH. https://t.co/fk2J9vxuBB

The full replay of the race can be watched below.

NBC Sports @NBCSports

WHERE DID HE COME FROM!? Rich Strike (80-1) comes down the stretch to score one of the biggest upset wins in @KentuckyDerby history. #KyDerby https://t.co/NPsYvPauVc

It was the second biggest upset at the Derby. Donerail won the Derby at 91-1 odds back in 1913.

Rich Strike was claimed for $30,000 by trainer Reed after he won his maiden claiming race by 17 lengths at Churchill Downs last year.

Rich Strike and his team won the Run for the Roses with a purse of $1.86 million.

It was an emotional win for both of them, not least of which is the fact that Reed lost 23 horses in a stable fire in December 2016 and never thought he would enter one in the Derby.

Reed said before Rich Strike was entered into the race that it was almost unimaginable. We don't have clients that look for those types of horses.

Reed had never won the Derby.

Reed said on the NBC broadcast after the upset win that this is the reason everybody does this.

NBC Sports @NBCSports

.@KentuckyDerby-winning trainer Eric Reed and his family were overcome with emotion following Rich Strike's longshot victory. ❤️ #KyDerby https://t.co/edqX0V3vbX

Reed thanked Rick and Sonny Leon. They know who he is.

Rich Strike seemed to be more focused after his Derby win. The cameras caught him yelling at his pony as his team tried to get ready for their big moment. Indeed! I was spirited, indeed!

Many on social media were not happy with the pony handler's attempts to fight off Rich Strike.

The situation was straightened out and our hero got the celebration he deserved.

The big question is if Rich Strike can do it again at the second jewel in the crown.