WATCH: Kentucky Derby official uses force to handle Rich Strike after big win

After winning the Kentucky Derby as an 80-1 longshot, Rich Strike celebrated his victory by using excess energy to bite and pick a fight on the track. Rich Strike immediately became a fan-favorite after his remarkable win, and proved that he was full of spirit afterwards while walking back to the winner’s circle. While being guided by race officials and another horse, Rich Strike began to bite the pony next to him and the reins — leading to the official having to forcibly separate the horses.

It appeared that Rich Strike was unhappy being led by the reins by the official, leading to his biting — drawing some criticisms of the official for not giving Rich Strike some space. After a few failed attempts to get Rich Strike to stop, he continued again to bite the pony and just generally seemed unwilling to stop. Many fans celebrated his behavior as it showed plenty of personality after winning an incredible race.

Rich Strike wins the Derby and immediately starts trying to eat the other horses. pic.twitter.com/hFJ5jOy1z4

— Shannon The Dude (@ShannonTheDude) May 7, 2022

Rich Strike bites official’s horse after winning Kentucky Derby

While his celebrity star rises overnight, Rich Strike seemed to know on the track just how big his win was. While walking back after a final stretch that saw him completely overtake the entire field with his speed, the Derby-winner looked like he was continuing to show his dominance by biting and bullying a race official’s pony walking alongside him.

The moment isn’t too uncommon to people who’ve been around horses, although it was certainly not what jockey Sonny Leon was hoping for as he celebrated the moment with a horse who didn’t want to listen. The official forcibly had to separate Rich Strike from his pony, raising some questions from onlookers who believed he may have punched the horse. However, Rich Strike managed to complete his victory walk and is now set to be celebrated as a champion for his win.

Rich Strike wins dramatic race

In front of more than 100,000 spectators filling the stands and infield, the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby ended with remarkable longshot Rich Strike winning. The crowd began trickling in for the race early, helping the race recapture the special feel of a crowd that has been absent for the past three years.

They were treated to one of the most incredible upset wins in the history of racing. Rich Strike entered the race with 80-1 odds and didn’t appear in contention until the final stretch. With race-favorite Epicenter taking the lead down the stretch, it appeared to be his race — before Rich Strike’s dramatic finish down the stretch. The finish was the second-largest longshot victory in the history of the Derby, second only to Donerail’s winning of the 1913 Kentucky Derby at 91-1 odds.