Sovereignty Wins 151st Kentucky Derby
Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY – May 3, 2025 – Sovereignty Wins 151st Kentucky Derby in a spectacular, rain-soaked race at the iconic Churchill Downs. The colt dramatically clinched victory, outdueling the 3-1 favorite, Journalism, in a thrilling stretch battle that captivated over 147,000 fans. This win marked not only a moment of triumph but also a story of redemption and prestige for trainer Bill Mott and Godolphin Racing. With this victory, Sovereignty proved that sometimes, patience and strategy truly pay off.
A Clean Victory for Trainer Bill Mott and Godolphin
After his controversial first Kentucky Derby win in 2019 with Country House, trainer Bill Mott finally secured an undisputed triumph. Sovereignty, trained with care and precision, powered through the 1¼-mile race on a sloppy dirt track, finishing in 2:02.31.
This win also marked a historic moment for Godolphin Racing, the global stable owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai. Despite their success worldwide, Godolphin had never won the Kentucky Derby—until now.
“This one got there the right way,” said Mott. “It’s a dream come true for the entire Godolphin organization.”
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Jockey Junior Alvarado Achieves His First Derby Triumph
For Junior Alvarado, the Venezuelan jockey who had missed Sovereignty’s last start due to injury, the win was especially emotional. He had tried and failed in six previous Derby starts.
“It’s more than a dream. I was confident all week. I knew we had something special,” Alvarado said.
Race Highlights
- Odds: Sovereignty entered at 7-1, paying $17.96 for a $2 win bet.
- Margin: Won by 1½ lengths.
- Purse: Sovereignty earned $3.1 million from the total $5 million purse.
Journalism Battled Bravely but Couldn’t Hold Off Sovereignty
The weight of high expectations hung over Journalism as he approached the starting gate at Churchill Downs. Entering the 151st Kentucky Derby as the clear 3-1 favorite, many believed the colt had what it took to deliver a commanding win. But racing, especially on a sloppy track with nearly 20 contenders, rarely follows the script.
From the outset, things didn’t go smoothly for the Michael McCarthy-trained colt. Umberto Rispoli, aboard Journalism, encountered traffic just seconds into the race. Trapped in the early pack, the horse was forced to shift wide—a tactical move that cost precious ground but gave Journalism a chance to regroup on the outside. He settled and began picking off rivals one by one, responding gamely to every cue.
By the time the field turned for home, Journalism had clawed his way back into contention. The crowd of more than 147,000 roared as he squared up with Sovereignty, who had been lurking quietly behind the leaders. The two colts raced neck and neck for several tense strides, mud flying as the rain-soaked track tested every stride of their endurance.
But the final furlong belonged to Sovereignty. With a burst of acceleration, he edged ahead and pulled clear, while Journalism, gallant in defeat, held on for second place.
“I saw the blue silks coming up on us, and I knew who it was,” said McCarthy afterward. “We were in a good spot late, but Sovereignty just had more left. That’s racing.”
Rispoli, though visibly disappointed, praised his mount’s effort. “He never gave up. We didn’t get the cleanest trip, but he tried his heart out. These kinds of races can humble you.”
Despite the loss, there’s no reason to write Journalism off. His late charge on unfavorable footing proves he belongs in elite company. If the colt comes out of the race healthy, there’s a strong possibility he could make another statement in the Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the Triple Crown.
For now, Journalism walks away not as the victor, but as a fighter—one who turned in a performance that earned respect, if not roses.
For full results and official timing, head over to the Kentucky Derby official website.
Baeza’s Unexpected Surge for a Third-Place Finish
In a race filled with drama and excitement, one of the most unexpected performances came from Baeza. Entering the race only after another colt was scratched on Thursday, the late entry seemed to have little chance against some of the more seasoned contenders. But as the field approached the final stretch, Baeza stunned everyone with a late charge, closing in on the leaders at a blistering pace.
With jockey Junior Alvarado pushing Baeza forward in the final furlong, the horse gained ground rapidly, cutting through the muddy track with impressive speed. Despite the strong effort, Baeza fell just short of overtaking Journalism, finishing a neck behind in third place. For a horse who had entered the race as a longshot, this was an exceptional showing that left fans and experts alike in awe.
As the top five positions settled, Final Gambit secured fourth place, and Owen Almighty rounded out the top five. While Baeza’s run didn’t result in a victory, it certainly earned respect, and we’ll likely see more from this colt in the future, especially considering the way he closed out the race.
A Rainy Day Doesn’t Dampen Spirits
With heavy rain falling throughout the day, Churchill Downs turned into a muddy battleground. Still, fans poured in—many in transparent ponchos—to witness one of the most iconic races in American sports.
Despite the sloppy track conditions, the race delivered unforgettable drama, proving once again why the Kentucky Derby is known as The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.
Full Finishing Order of the 2025 Kentucky Derby
- Sovereignty
- Journalism
- Baeza
- Final Gambit
- Owen Almighty
- Burnham Square
- Sandman
- East Avenue
- Chunk of Gold
- Tiztastic
- Coal Battle
- Neoequos
- Publisher
- Citizen Bull
- American Promise
- Render Judgment
- Flying Mohawk
- Admire Daytona
(Scratched: Rodriguez)
Godolphin’s Historic Weekend of Wins
This was not the only major victory for Godolphin this weekend. On Friday, their filly Good Cheer took home the Kentucky Oaks title. And earlier on Saturday in England, Ruling Court, a son of Justify, won the 2,000 Guineas, making this a truly international weekend of dominance for Sheikh Mohammed’s racing empire.
🌍 Explore more: Godolphin’s Global Impact on Thoroughbred Racing
Triple Crown Watch: What’s Next for Sovereignty?
The win now opens the door to a potential Triple Crown run. The second jewel, the Preakness Stakes, will be held in two weeks at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. Sovereignty’s team remains cautious but optimistic.
“We’ll see how he comes out of the race and go from there,” said Mott.
Only 13 horses have ever won the Triple Crown, the most recent being Justify in 2018. If Sovereignty lines up for the Preakness, excitement will skyrocket once again.
Bob Baffert Returns, but Not to the Winner’s Circle
After serving a three-year suspension from Churchill Downs due to Medina Spirit’s 2021 disqualification, trainer Bob Baffert returned to Derby weekend with Citizen Bull, who finished a disappointing 14th. Another legendary trainer, D. Wayne Lukas, age 89, saw his horse American Promise finish in 15th place.
Final Thoughts: Sovereignty Becomes a Symbol of Determination
In a race filled with drama, rain, and raw emotion, Sovereignty’s victory symbolizes more than athletic excellence—it represents years of careful breeding, patient training, and quiet perseverance.
For Godolphin, the victory filled a missing piece in their vast trophy case. For Junior Alvarado, it fulfilled a lifelong dream. And for racing fans, it created a memory that will last forever.
“This is the Derby win we’ve always wanted,” said Mott. “It means everything.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who owns Sovereignty, the 2025 Kentucky Derby winner?
Sovereignty is owned and bred by Godolphin, the global racing operation led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai.
2. Who trained Sovereignty?
The horse is trained by Bill Mott, a Hall of Fame trainer who also won the Derby in 2019 with Country House.
3. Who was the jockey riding Sovereignty?
Junior Alvarado, a Venezuelan-born jockey, rode Sovereignty to victory in his sixth Kentucky Derby attempt.
4. How much did Sovereignty win?
Sovereignty earned $3.1 million from a total purse of $5 million.
5. Will Sovereignty run in the Preakness Stakes?
The team has not confirmed, but they are evaluating the colt’s condition before deciding on the Triple Crown path.