2022 Kentucky Derby winner: Rich Strike (80-1) scores massive upset as biggest underdog champion since 1913

Rich Strike came into the race with the longest odds among all 20 horses

In a truly shocking upset, Rich Strike is the winner of the 2022 Kentucky Derby. Rich Strike closed at 80-1 odds, the longest odds among all 20 horses. This is the first Kentucky Derby win for the trainer Eric Reed and jockey Sonny Leon. 

This is the second-biggest upset in the Kentucky Derby's 148-year history. The first was Donerail, which won in 1913 after closing as a 91-1 longshot. 

The finish was thrilling as Rich Strike came from behind in the final moments to win by 3/4 of a length over the second-place finisher Epicenter and third-place finisher Zandon.

Summer is Tomorrow led the race at first, but Crown Pride jumped ahead at the 3/4 mile mark. Epicenter and Zandon then burst to the front in what looked to be a two-horse finish -- until Rich Strike came out of seemingly nowhere to pass them both. Here's the full race, one so wild it can only be seen to be believed.  

Despite winning the race, Rich Strike was close to not competing at all. The horse was only added to the field Friday after Ethereal Road dropped out. But while most counted Rich Strike out, trainer Eric Reed -- who said he "about passed out" immediately after the race -- knew he had a chance. 

"[This] is the reason why everyone does this, because we're not supposed to be here, but I knew this horse loved the track and he'd been training so good all year," Reed told NBC Sports. 

Reed's father, Herbert, fought back tears while explaining how he felt about Rich Strike's miraculous win. 

"Unbelievable," Herbert Reed said. "I can't even explain it. It's unreal."

2022 Kentucky Derby results, payouts

21 - Rich Strike WIN: $163.60 PLACE: $74.20 SHOW: $29.40
3 - Epicenter PLACE: $7.40 SHOW: $5.20
10 - Zandon SHOW: $5.60

$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

[May 7, 2022 at 6:39 pm ET · Wajih AlBaroudi]

The jockeys are now making their way to the track with the race just 18 minutes away. 

[May 7, 2022 at 6:27 pm ET · Wajih AlBaroudi]

The 2022 Kentucky Derby's post time is only 30 minutes away. Before the horses take the track for "the most exciting two minutes in sports," check out the official track odds: 

Epicenter -- 5-1
Taiba -- 5-1
Messier -- 6-1
Zandon -- 6-1
Mo Donegal -- 9-1
White Abarrio -- 13-1
Cyberknife -- 13-1
Smile Happy -- 15-1
Charge It -- 15-1
Crown Pride -- 17-1
Happy Jack -- 20-1
Tiz the Bomb -- 27-1
Summer Is Tomorrow -- 32-1
Simplification -- 35-1
Zozos -- 42-1
Pioneer of Medina -- 52-1
Barber Road -- 53-1
Tawny Port -- 75-1
Classic Causeway -- 76-1
Rich Strike -- 84-1
Ethereal Road -- Scratched

[May 7, 2022 at 6:00 pm ET · Wajih AlBaroudi]

In about 10 minutes, the Kentucky Derby horses will begin walking from their barns to the Paddock. Jockeys will mount the horses at approximately 6:37 p.m. 

[May 7, 2022 at 5:39 pm ET · Wajih AlBaroudi]

Jack Harlow and Drake, who recently released a song called "Churchill Downs," just appeared on the NBC Sports broadcast. The rappers say they're backing Happy Jack (19-1). 

[May 7, 2022 at 5:08 pm ET · Wajih AlBaroudi]

Epicenter (5-1) comes into this year's Kentucky Derby with 164 points, head and shoulders above the rest of his competition. Zandon (7-1) is second with 114, and White Abarrio (13-1) and Mo Donegal (9-1) are tied for third with 112. Over the last eight Kentucky Derbys, two horses won after entering with the most points -- Orb in 2013 and California Chrome in 2014. 

[May 7, 2022 at 5:00 pm ET · Wajih AlBaroudi]

Taiba's odds went from 12-1 last night to 5-1 today, making him a co-favorite. The Tom Yakteen-trained horse won the 2022 Santa Anita Derby, a good sign considering it's produced the most Kentucky Derby winners of any major prep race since 2012 with four. 

[May 7, 2022 at 4:57 pm ET · Wajih AlBaroudi]

With the Kentucky Derby post time only two hours away, the forecast is partly cloudy and in the low 60s with no rain. According to the National Weather Service, the last Run for the Roses with a high in the 60s was in 2017, when jockey John Velasquez rode Always Dreaming to victory. 

[May 7, 2022 at 4:45 pm ET · CBS Sports Staff]

Things to know about the 2022 Kentucky Derby 

The Kentucky Derby has been decided by a winning margin of a neck or less on 25 occasions, so there is a very good chance for a thrilling finish.

The record for money wagered Kentucky Derby day came in 2019 when $250,900,257 was wagered.

[May 7, 2022 at 4:30 pm ET · CBS Sports Staff]

Things to know about the 2022 Kentucky Derby 

Taiba has started two races and won both of them, including the RunHappy Santa Anita Derby in April. He could be the 1st horse to win the Kentucky Derby in his 3rd start since Leonatus in 1883. 

- The last Triple Crown winner, Justify in 2018, raced just 3 times before winning the Kentucky Derby on his way to sweeping the Triple Crown.

The largest margin of victory in the Kentucky Derby is eight lengths and it was accomplished four times in Derby history: Old Rosebud in 1914, Johnstown in 1939, Whirlaway in 1941, and Assault in 1946. The final two went on to sweep the Triple Crown.

[May 7, 2022 at 4:15 pm ET · CBS Sports Staff]

Things to know about the 2022 Kentucky Derby

No horse has finished 1st in the Kentucky Derby from the No. 1 post since Ferdinand in 1986. 

- Moreover, the last time a horse won from either post 1, 2, or 3 was in 1998 by Real Quiet.

Zandon, currently the odds-on favorite, has the No. 10 pole position.

- The last winner from the No. 10 pole position was Giacomo in 2005.

The Florida Derby has produced 24 Kentucky Derby winners over the years to rank as the most productive prep race on the Derby trail. The Blue Grass Stakes and Champagne Stakes rank second with 23.

- White Abarrio won the Florida Derby this year and Zandon won the Blue Grass Stakes.