In the soggy 151st running of the Kentucky Derby, the derby results book tells of a fairy-tale comeback: jockey Junior Alvarado guiding Sovereignty through a rain-soaked Churchill Downs track to a 1½-length triumph over 3-1 favorite Journalism. The muddy spectacle crowned Alvarado’s resilience—just weeks after fracturing his shoulder in a fall—and delivered a signature win for trainer Bill Mott and Sovereignty’s horse owner, the Dubai-based Godolphin Racing.
How the Derby Results Unfolded
Alvarado and the bay colt broke cleanly but clipped heels early in the 19-horse field, sparking fears of a lost shoe. Yet, through the chaotic scramble, Sovereignty maintained his stride into the backstretch. By the five-eighths pole, Alvarado felt the colt’s surge: “He kind of said to me, ‘I’m ready.’” Moments later, that readiness manifested as a decisive move—Alvarado tipped Sovereignty wide, clearing Journalism and powering away to secure the derby winners crown.
The race’s muddied conditions only underscored the duo’s grit. Caked in slop, Alvarado wore his first Kentucky Derby victory—and the garland of red roses—proudly. Reflecting on a journey from childhood dreams in Venezuela to horse racing’s grandest stage.
Junior Alvarado’s Road to Redemption
- March 23 Fall: At Gulfstream Park, Alvarado suffered a fractured shoulder when his mount suffered a heart attack mid-race.
- Swift Return: Just three weeks later, he returned at Keeneland, then won claiming races at Churchill Downs—even surviving another spill on Thursday.
- Derby Trail Prep: He had guided Sovereignty to two graded stakes victories during the prep season, missing only the Florida Derby (where Manny Franco finished second on the colt).
“Riding Sovereignty was never in question,” Alvarado said, praising Mott’s confidence. The Hall of Fame trainer had assured him that the bay colt would await his return, a promise that paid off brilliantly on Derby Day.
Who Won the Ryan Garcia Fight? Rolly Romero Upsets Garcia in Times Square Debacle
Milestones for Mott and Godolphin
Bill Mott, who first tasted Kentucky Derby success via disqualification in 2019, celebrated an outright win this time around. He credited Alvarado’s timing and the honest early pace—set by several frontrunners—for the perfect setup. For Godolphin Racing, the victory cements their status as global heavyweights in Thoroughbred racing.
Kentucky Derby 2025 Preview: From Journalism to Sandman, Bob Baffert’s Return Steals the Spotlight
Alvarado Reflects on a Lifelong Dream
“I said that would be nice—to ride in the Kentucky Derby—and today we did just that,” the 38-year-old Venezuelan rider beamed. He acknowledged how his country’s only annual broadcast of the Derby fueled his ambitions. Making Sunday’s derby results all the sweeter for family and fans watching back home.
Rockets vs Warriors: Houston Forces Game 7 with 115–107 Victory at Chase Center
📢 Follow TNN for comprehensive coverage of derby results. From Kentucky Derby finish order and payouts to profiles of jockeys like Junior Alvarado, trainers such as Bill Mott. And the global owners behind champions like Godolphin. Stay tuned for more on Kentucky Derby 2025 finishing order and deep dives into what makes these champions tick. 🚨
One thought on “Derby Results: Junior Alvarado’s Muddy Masterclass Delivers Sovereignty the 151st Kentucky Derby”