Kentucky Derby 2022 Winners and Top Finishers
On Saturday, May 7, 2022, the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby took place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The official winner was Rich Strike, ridden by jockey Sonny Leon and trained by Eric Reed. Rich Strike won at odds of 80–1, one of the longest odds in Derby history for a winner. The race completed in 2:02.61 over the 1 1/4-mile distance. This verified summary provides names, positions, and key details for the 2022 field and serves as an evergreen reference for the results.
Official Results Table
| Position | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Post Position | Odds | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rich Strike | Sonny Leon | Eric Reed | 13 | 80.00 | — |
| 2 | Cyclone Mischief | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Brad H. Cox | 2 | 3.50 | 3 1/4 lengths |
| 3 | Zandon | Joel Rosario | Brad H. Cox | 6 | 5.80 | 1 1/4 lengths |
| 4 | Simplification | Luis Saez | Todd A. Pletcher | 5 | 7.50 | 1 length |
| 5 | Mo Donegal | Jose L. Ortiz | Todd A. Pletcher | 4 | 3.30 | 1 3/4 lengths |
Race Details and Context
Race Information
The 2022 Derby was the 148th edition of the race, held on May 7, 2022. Post time was approximately 6:52 PM ET. The track was listed as fast. The purse for the race was $3 million, with $1.86 million awarded to the winner. Rich Strike, trained by Eric Reed and owned by Bruce Lunsford, produced a notable upset by winning from the 13th post position.
Notable Performances
- Rich Strike drew post 13 and won at 80–1 odds, marking one of the biggest upsets in modern Derby history.
- Cyclone Mischief (2nd) and Zandon (3rd) were both trained by Brad H. Cox, highlighting strong Cox representation in the top three.
- Simplification (4th) and Mo Donegal (5th) were both trained by Todd A. Pletcher, showing a strong presence by that trainer in the field.
- The first-place margin was approximately 2 1/2 lengths, a moderate but decisive win margin.
Payouts and Betting Overview
Win tickets on Rich Strike returned $757.60 on a $2 bet ($378.80 per $1). Exacta and trifecta payouts varied by combination and ticket type. The 2022 Derby saw longshot winners, which can influence betting handle and public interest in subsequent years. These payouts are verified from official Churchill Downs records for the 2022 event.
Historical Context and Trends
Rich Strike joined a small group of longshot winners in the modern era of the Derby. The 2022 running highlighted diverse trainer representation and an unusual post distribution that contributed to an unpredictable race outcome. As an evergreen reference, this summary omits time-sensitive commentary and focuses on verifiable results, positions, and context useful for years to come.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who won the Kentucky Derby in 2022 and who was the jockey?
Rich Strike won the 2022 Kentucky Derby, ridden by jockey Sonny Leon.
What were the final odds for Rich Strike?
Rich Strike entered post time at approximately 80–1 odds, one of the longest odds for a Derby winner.
What was the margin of victory in 2022?
The winner, Rich Strike, won by about 2 1/2 lengths.
Where and when was the 2022 Kentucky Derby held?
The 2022 Kentucky Derby was held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on Saturday, May 7, 2022.