Rich Strike, the long shot horse that was not expected to run in Saturday's biggest race, pulled off a shocking victory at the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby.

The No. 21 horse, who had 80-1 odds entering the race, was the first alternate. He was added to the race after Ethereal Road was scratched from the lineup Friday morning. The race marked jockey Sonny Leon’s first time winning the Derby. With his odds, Rich Strike was the longest shot on the board, making his victory a historic upset.

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Speaking immediately after the victory, Rich Strike's trainer Eric Reed said he nearly "passed out" after the horse took a late lead.

"I'm so happy. This is something that, you know, is the reason everybody does this," he added. "We're not supposed to be here, but I knew this horse loved the track, and he'd been training so good all year."

Asked what kind of expectations he had after his horse was entered into the race, owner Richard Dawson said that he and Reed had never put a horse in a race that they did not believe could win, adding: "We talked about never putting a horse in that wasn't ready, wasn't fit, and we just knew that we had a shot because every time he went longer, he got better."

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Rich Strike, who was claimed for only $30,000 last year, beat out a field containing horses purchased for as much as $1.7 million. If he wins the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, he will become the first Triple Crown winner since Justify in 2018.

Former President Donald Trump and former first lady Melania Trump were among scores of celebrities in the audience for the event. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who could emerge as a 2024 Democratic presidential contender if he wins reelection in 2023, presented the winning horse's team with the gold trophy.