Sovereignty Gallops to Victory in 151st Kentucky Derby, Upsets Journalism - (2025)

Updated: 12/06/2025

The 151st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs was a spectacle of speed, strategy, and sheer determination as Sovereignty emerged victorious, leaving favourite Journalism behind in a cloud of muddy track dust. The colt, expertly ridden by Junior Alvarado and trained by the skilled Bill Mott, galloped its way to glory, crossing the finish line in a blazing two minutes and 02.31 seconds. The Derby, a beloved American tradition, drew in a massive crowd of 147,046 spectators, all eager to witness which steed would reign supreme on the track.

As the race unfolded, Citizen Bull set the early pace on the challenging muddy terrain, leading the pack before Sovereignty and Journalism strategically surged ahead, neck and neck as they thundered towards the final stretch. In a breathtaking display of skill and athleticism, Sovereignty, at 7-1 odds, showcased its dominance, pulling away from the competition to triumph by a decisive one and a half lengths.

Bill Mott, the mastermind behind Sovereignty's victory, expressed his satisfaction with the race dynamics, noting, “Fortunately, there was a lot of speed in the race. It set up well for us because they had an honest pace.” Mott emphasized the importance of a conducive pace that allowed the field to stretch out, ultimately creating room for strategic positioning and tactical maneuvers, which played to Sovereignty's advantage.

This triumph marked the first Kentucky Derby win for both Junior Alvarado and the prestigious owner Godolphin, while the experienced Mott celebrated his second victory after claiming the title in 2019 with Country House under controversial circumstances. The win at the Derby capped off an exceptional 24 hours for Godolphin, who also triumphed in the Kentucky Oaks and the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, solidifying their dominance in the world of horse racing.

A special moment before the race unfolded as American gymnast Simone Biles, a shining star with seven Olympic gold medals to her name, performed the traditional pre-race ‘riders up' call, signaling the jockeys to mount their noble steeds. This iconic gesture, often entrusted to celebrities and athletes, added an extra layer of excitement and glamour to the esteemed event.

Despite the overwhelming anticipation surrounding Journalism, ridden by Umberto Rispoli and the 3-1 favorite, the horse fell short of victory on the muddy track. Rispoli, reflecting on the race, expressed his disappointment, stating, “On a fair track, I think I have the better horse.” The unpredictability of horse racing, particularly in challenging conditions, once again demonstrated the incredible feats and surprises that can unfold on the track.

The Kentucky Derby, steeped in tradition and prestige, showcases the epitome of equine athleticism and the unbreakable bond between horse and rider. With Sovereignty's triumphant victory etched into the annals of racing history, the event continues to captivate audiences worldwide, embodying the spirit of competition, excellence, and the pursuit of greatness.

Relevant news