The 2022 Kentucky Derby was won by Rich Strike, an 80-1 longshot who delivered the second-biggest upset in the race’s history. Jockey Sonny Leon guided the colt from the back of the pack, weaving through traffic to overtake favorites Epicenter (second) and Zandon (third) in a historic finish at Churchill Downs.
The 148th running of the "Run for the Roses," held on May 7, 2022, remains a cornerstone of modern horse racing lore. From the perspective of 2026, we look back at this event not just as a sporting contest, but as a statistical anomaly that redefined how bettors and analysts view the "Almost-Eligible" list and late-entry dynamics. This guide provides the complete results, betting payouts, and a narrative reconstruction of the most iconic visual moments from that unforgettable afternoon.
The Historical Context of the 148th Kentucky Derby
The 2022 Kentucky Derby was characterized by a return to full capacity and traditional pageantry following the disrupted years of the early 2020s. With 147,294 fans in attendance at Churchill Downs, the atmosphere was electric, yet the betting markets were relatively settled on two primary contenders: Epicenter, trained by Steve Asmussen, and Zandon, trained by Chad Brown.
Rich Strike’s entry into the race was a miracle of timing. He was the "also-eligible" entry, meaning he required a scratch from the main field of 20 to participate. That scratch came at the final possible moment on Friday morning when Ethereal Road was withdrawn. This allowed Rich Strike, a horse claimed for just $30,000 by owner Rick Dawson and trainer Eric Reed, to take the 20th post position.
The Race Narrative: How an 80-1 Longshot Shocked the World
To understand the 2022 results, one must analyze the blistering pace established in the first half-mile. Summer Is Tomorrow and Crown Pride set fractions that were borderline suicidal for a 1 1/4-mile race: 21.78 seconds for the first quarter-mile and 45.36 seconds for the half-mile.
This extreme speed exhausted the front-runners and the mid-pack pressers, creating a "collapsed" pace. As the field turned for home, Epicenter and Zandon appeared to have the race settled between them. However, Rich Strike, who had been trailing near the very back, began a surge on the inside rail. Jockey Sonny Leon’s ride is often cited by technical analysts as one of the most efficient "trips" in Derby history, as he navigated a zig-zag path through a wall of tired horses without losing momentum.
Rich Strike’s final time was 2:02.61. While not a track record, the manner in which he gained ground—passing nearly the entire field in the final three furlongs—remains a subject of study for bloodstock agents and speed-figure enthusiasts alike.
2022 Kentucky Derby Complete Order of Finish
The following table provides the official results for the 148th Kentucky Derby. This includes the horse's name, jockey, trainer, and closing odds, which illustrate the massive disparity between the winner and the rest of the field.
| Finish Position | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Closing Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Rich Strike | Sonny Leon | Eric Reed | 80.80 |
| 2nd | Epicenter | Joel Rosario | Steve Asmussen | 4.10 |
| 3rd | Zandon | Flavien Prat | Chad Brown | 6.10 |
| 4th | Simplification | Jose Ortiz | Antonio Sano | 35.30 |
| 5th | Mo Donegal | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Todd Pletcher | 10.10 |
| 6th | Barber Road | Reylu Gutierrez | John Ortiz | 39.40 |
| 7th | Tawny Port | Ricardo Santana Jr. | Brad Cox | 80.40 |
| 8th | Smile Happy | Corey Lanerie | Kenny McPeek | 14.10 |
| 9th | Tiz the Bomb | Brian Hernandez Jr. | Kenny McPeek | 31.00 |
| 10th | Zozos | Manny Franco | Brad Cox | 39.40 |
| 11th | Classic Causeway | Julien Leparoux | Brian Lynch | 78.90 |
| 12th | Taiba | Mike Smith | Tim Yakteen | 5.80 |
| 13th | Crown Pride | Christophe Lemaire | Koichi Shintani | 17.20 |
| 14th | Happy Jack | Rafael Bejarano | Doug O'Neill | 23.30 |
| 15th | Messier | John Velazquez | Tim Yakteen | 7.10 |
| 16th | White Abarrio | Tyler Gaffalione | Saffie Joseph Jr. | 15.40 |
| 17th | Charge It | Luis Saez | Todd Pletcher | 16.30 |
| 18th | Cyberknife | Florent Geroux | Brad Cox | 14.90 |
| 19th | Pioneer of Medina | Joe Bravo | Todd Pletcher | 50.80 |
| 20th | Summer Is Tomorrow | Mickael Barzalona | Bhupat Seemar | 36.80 |
Betting Payouts and Wagering Data
The 2022 Kentucky Derby generated record-breaking handle and produced life-changing payouts for those who backed the longshot or correctly predicted the exotic sequences. Because Rich Strike was an 80-1 winner, the exotic payouts (Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta) reached astronomical levels.
Standard Payouts ($2.00 Wagers)
- Rich Strike: $163.60 (Win), $74.20 (Place), $29.40 (Show)
- Epicenter: $7.40 (Place), $5.20 (Show)
- Zandon: $5.60 (Show)
Exotic Payouts
The 2022 exotic results are frequently used by professional handicappers to demonstrate the "value" of including deep longshots in vertical wagers.
- $2.00 Exacta (21-3): $4,101.20
- $1.00 Trifecta (21-3-10): $14,870.70
- $1.00 Superfecta (21-3-10-13): $321,500.10
The Superfecta payout was particularly notable because it featured the 80-1 winner, the 4-1 favorite, the 6-1 second choice, and a 35-1 longshot in fourth. Even with two favorites in the top three, the presence of Rich Strike at the top drove the price into six-figure territory.
Visual Highlights: Iconic 2022 Kentucky Derby Photos and Moments
While we provide descriptions rather than raw files, the visual history of the 2022 Derby is defined by four specific moments that have become synonymous with the event. These descriptions serve as a guide for researchers looking for specific archival footage or photographs from KentuckyDerby.com or the Associated Press.
1. The Overhead "Drone" Angle
The most famous visual from 2022 is the overhead "NBC Sports" drone shot. This photo/video sequence shows Rich Strike as a small red blur at the bottom of the screen, weaving through the field like a car in heavy traffic. It perfectly captures Sonny Leon’s precision as he maneuvers around Messier and then darts inside a tiring Tiz the Bomb.
2. The Rail-Skimming Finish
Photos of the final 100 yards capture the shock on the faces of the crowd. While Epicenter and Zandon are locked in a duel in the center of the track, Rich Strike is visible on the far left (the rail), surging past them with his ears pinned back. This image is the quintessential "upset" photo, showcasing the moment the betting favorites were eclipsed.
3. The "Outrider" Incident
A series of widely circulated photos after the finish line showed Rich Strike’s post-race adrenaline. The horse, still "on the muscle," began biting the pony of the outrider who was attempting to lead him to the winner’s circle. These photos became viral memes but also highlighted the raw competitive spirit of the colt.
4. The Winner's Circle: Eric Reed and Rick Dawson
The emotional peak of the afternoon was captured in photos of trainer Eric Reed. Reed, who had lost a significant portion of his stable in a barn fire years prior, was photographed collapsing to the ground in disbelief. The images of the small-time connections standing next to the massive gold Kentucky Derby trophy remain a testament to the "any horse can win" philosophy of the race.
Technical Analysis: Why Rich Strike Won
From a technical SEO and analytical perspective, the 2022 results are often tagged with "Pace Collapse" and "Ground Saved."
- Pace Dynamics: The opening quarter of 21.78 is the third-fastest in the history of the 1.25-mile Derby. When horses run that fast early, they rarely have anything left for the "Deep Stretch" (the final 1/8 of a mile).
- The Leon Trip: Sonny Leon did not travel a single foot of extra ground. By sticking to the rail, he covered less distance than Epicenter, who was forced to move slightly wide to overtake the early leaders.
- Pedigree: Rich Strike is a son of Keen Ice. Keen Ice is famously known as the only horse to beat the Triple Crown winner American Pharoah during his three-year-old season (in the Travers Stakes). The stamina in Rich Strike's bloodline was perfectly suited for a race where every other horse was exhausted.
The Aftermath and Legacy
Following the 2022 win, Rich Strike’s career was met with scrutiny. He bypassed the Preakness Stakes to rest, a controversial move at the time, and eventually finished sixth in the Belmont Stakes. Epicenter, the runner-up, went on to have a stellar summer, winning the Jim Dandy and the Travers Stakes, eventually earning the Eclipse Award for Champion Three-Year-Old Male.
In the years leading up to 2026, the 2022 Derby has served as a cautionary tale for "bridge jumpers" (bettors who wager large amounts on favorites to show). It also reinforced the importance of the Also-Eligible (AE) list. Following 2022, there was increased media focus on the horses ranked 21 and 22 in the points standings, as fans now realize that the last horse in can often be the first horse home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2022 Kentucky Derby?
Rich Strike won the 2022 Kentucky Derby at odds of 80-1. He was ridden by jockey Sonny Leon and trained by Eric Reed. The horse was owned by RED TR-Racing, LLC (Rick Dawson).
What were the total payouts for a $2 win bet on Rich Strike?
A $2 win bet on Rich Strike returned $163.60. This is the second-highest payout in the history of the Kentucky Derby, trailing only Donerail in 1913, who paid $184.90 on a $2 bet.
Why was Rich Strike allowed to race if he wasn't in the original top 20?
Rich Strike was an "also-eligible" entry. He was ranked 21st in the Churchill Downs points system. When Ethereal Road was scratched from the race on the Friday morning before the Saturday event, Rich Strike was moved into the field and assigned the 20th post position.
What happened to the favorite, Epicenter, in the 2022 Derby?
Epicenter ran a highly respectable race, finishing second. He took the lead in the stretch and appeared to be the winner until Rich Strike’s late surge on the inside rail. Epicenter was later recognized as the top three-year-old of the year despite the Derby loss.
Where can I find the official photos of the 2022 Kentucky Derby?
Official photos are archived by the Kentucky Derby official site and major sports news outlets like NBC Sports and the Associated Press. Key searches should include "Rich Strike overhead drone footage" and "2022 Kentucky Derby photo finish."
Final Recommendation for Researchers
For those analyzing the 2022 Kentucky Derby for betting patterns or historical documentation, it is essential to look at the Equibase Chart. This official document provides the "points of call" (where every horse was at every stage of the race). The chart reveals that Rich Strike was 18th at the three-quarter mile mark, illustrating the incredible amount of ground he made up in the final stages. When viewing photos of the race, cross-reference them with the "Trip Notes" in the Equibase chart to understand how positioning influenced the final result.
