BIZARRE: Sonny leon | Mind Blowing Facts

Why the Kentucky Derby Has Never Felt Weirder

Since the death of the race ambassador in 2018, the run for the roses has seen surreal, chaotic results.

Sports Illustrated · Apr 29, 2025

This PGA Tour player would’ve won $40K on the Kentucky Derby, if he could have found a place to bet

While the story may seem funny now, Lucky Strike went off at 80-1, making it one of the most improbable winners in the history of the event.

USA Today Sports Media Group · Jun 4, 2022

A Search for Family, a Love for Horses and How It Led to Kentucky Derby Glory

Herbie Reed landed on a horse farm to escape a chaotic childhood. Eric Reed knew he wanted to follow his father’s lead. Together, after many trials and hardships, they made history.

Sports Illustrated · May 18, 2022

‘We Shocked The World!’ Rich Strike’s Journey From ‘Pea Patch’ to Derby Winner

Big-name jockeys and owners and exiled trainers were outdone and outshone by a group of racing no-names who brought a storybook finish Saturday at Churchill Downs.

Sports Illustrated · May 8, 2022

Sonny Leon, the jockey no one had heard of, rides a Kentucky Derby no one will forget

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Before 80-1 long shot Rich Strike broke last from the gate in the 148th Kentucky Derby, his rider, Venezuela native Sonny Leon, had such a light footprint in North American horse racing, he had never won a graded stakes race.

Tribune News Service · May 8, 2022

Rich Strike’s Massive Upset Not Longest Shot to Win Race

Rich Strike was at 79-1 odds out of the gate, but he was not the longest shot to win the Race for the Roses.

Sports Illustrated · May 7, 2022

Rich Strike stuns field in second biggest Kentucky Derby upset of all time

Rich Strike won the 148th Kentucky Derby on Saturday evening in the second biggest upset in the history of America’s most famous race

The Guardian - US · May 7, 2022

Rich Strike takes first at the Kentucky Derby in a huge upset

Rich Strike emerged victorious among the 20 horses that competed in what is often described as "the most exciting two minutes in sports."

WEKU · May 7, 2022

80-1 long shot Rich Strike crosses finish line first in Kentucky Derby

Jockey Sonny Leon guided Rich Strike from well back in the 20-horse field to run by 4-1 favorite Epicenter and Zandon on Saturday at Churchill Downs.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 7, 2022