Rich Strike to Stand at Irish Hill and Dutchess Views Stallions in New York

[Wandering Eyes]

GI Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike (Keen Ice–Gold Strike, by Smart Strike) is being relocated to Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions LLC in Stillwater, New York, to start the 2025 breeding season. The 6-year-old stallion, who had been expected to begin his stud career this year at Mountain Spring Farm in Pennsylvania, was recently purchased by a group that includes his former trainer, Eric Reed, longtime owner Ken Tyson, and Jamie LaMonica, head of the Kentucky-based The Stallion Company bloodstock agency. Rich Strike will stand his initial season at stud for an introductory fee of $6,500 S&N.

“It was originally contemplated to start Rich Strike's stallion career at Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions, however the deal fell through,” said LaMonica. “When Rich Strike moved to Mountain Spring Farm in Pennsylvania, our new ownership group circled back and made a pitch to get involved with the horse. Everyone at Mountain Spring Farm has been great to work with, but the new ownership group has a stronger relationship with New York than Pennsylvania and we felt that Rich Strike has a better opportunity in New York. With the reconstruction of Belmont Park, we thought it would be beneficial to a stallion that has the pedigree to thrive on all three surfaces–dirt, synthetic, and turf.”

In addition to his 2022 Derby victory, Rich Strike was second in that year's GII Lukas Classic and third in the GII Jeff Ruby Steaks. On the board in six of 14 starts, he won twice and earned $2,526,809.

“New York breeders are sophisticated and informed, so they understand Rich Strike is a grandson of Curlin and out of a champion mare,” said Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions' Rick Burke. “He should fit a lot of the mare population, both genetically and physically. I was able to inspect Rich Strike when we were negotiating the first time around and was really impressed by his good looks and presence. I am looking forward to showing off the Kentucky Derby winner to New York breeders. I think they will really like him.”

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