'What just happened?': Steve Asmussen in shock after Epicenter loses in Kentucky Derby

When Steve Asmussen wakes up tomorrow, he still won't believe he lost the Kentucky Derby. 

After failing 23 times to win the Run for the Roses, Asmussen felt confident that his prized colt Epicenter would break his curse. This was his year. He had the horse. He had the odds (5-to-1). He had his shot. 

But despite the stars aligning in his favor, Asmussen was left standing on the Churchill Down track befuddled, wondering how an 80-1 longshot stole the lone victory his storied career lacks. 

Kentucky Derby 2022 winner: Rich Strike takes stunning upset win at Churchill Downs

"How in the world can you write what just happened?" Asmussen said after Epicenter finished second to Rich Strike in the 148th Kentucky Derby. "I did not expect to lose." 

Asmussen wasn't the only one. After winning the Louisiana Derby, Epicenter was expected to finally break the 56-year-old trainer's cold streak. As the days leading up to the race dwindled, contenders such as Zandon, Tiz the Bomb and Messier grew popular with the oddsmakers. 

But Rich Strike's chances? Not so much. The eventual winner of the 148th Kentucky Derby wasn't even in the field till Friday morning. 

Rich Strike remained an afterthought throughout much of the race, while Epicenter and Zandon raced ahead of the field. Asmussen was pleased with the ride that Joel Rosario gave and didn't even see Rich Strike surge ahead. 

Rich Strike paid out $163.60, $74.20 and $29.40 while Epicenter only paid out $7.40 and $5.20. 

"I can't believe it after Epicenter's effort," Asmussen said. "And the scenario in which I went 0-for-24, you couldn't make up. I got beat by a horse that just got in." 

But that comes with the territory. Asmussen has won over 9,700 races since his first win in 1986. He's dreamed of one day claiming the Kentucky Derby title for himself and still moments after his defeat he still can't believe how it slipped away. 

"Wanted to win it. Was meant to win it. Didn't win it," Asmussen said.