For the fourth consecutive year, horse racing fans will not bear witness to a Triple Crown winner.
According to the New York Post, Kentucky Derby victor Rich Strike, who won the storied race at 80-1 odds, will not run in next Saturday’s Preakness Stakes. Rather, the horse who captured America’s hearts will instead prepare for the June 11 running of the Belmont.
Owner Rick Dawson addressed the difficult decision Thursday in a press release, saying:
“Our original plan for Rich Strike was contingent on the Kentucky Derby. Should we run in the Derby, subject to the race outcome and the condition of our horse, we would give him more recovery time and rest and run in the Belmont, or another race and stay on course to run with five or six weeks’ rest between races.