A lawsuit filed by Rick Dawson, owner of Rich Strike, against the ownership of Hot Rod Charlie and trainer Doug O’Neill after Rich Strike finished second in the 2022 Lukas Classic was dismissed by the Jefferson Circuit Court. Dawson alleged that Hot Rod Charlie was wearing toe grabs in violation of racing rules, seeking the difference in prize money between first and second place.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission investigated the alleged violation and concluded that Hot Rod Charlie raced in compliance with the rules. HISA’s board of directors also accepted the enforcement team’s recommendation not to take further action related to the outcome of the Lukas Classic. Judge Annie O’Connell ruled that a violation of HISA rules does not give rise to a private tort claim and that Dawson had not exhausted his administrative remedies.

Rich Strike, who won the Kentucky Derby at 80-1 odds, now stands at stud in New York after his court defeat. Dawson has the right to appeal the Jefferson Circuit Court decision to the Kentucky Court of Appeals.