Sovereignty Wins 151st Kentucky Derby, Overcoming Journalism in Muddy Conditions

Sovereignty, trained by Bill Mott and ridden by Junior Alvarado, won the rain-soaked 151st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs with a strong late surge, overcoming 3-1 favorite Journalism, who finished second. The victory was especially sweet for Mott, who emphasized that Sovereignty 'got there the right way,' reflecting on his patient approach to developing the colt and his loyalty to Alvarado, who returned from injury for this race. The sloppy track conditions due to continuous rain made for a challenging and unpredictable contest, with longshots Baeza, Final Gambit, and Owen Almighty rounding out the top five. Sovereignty’s win at 7-1 odds resulted in significant payouts for bettors, including a $1,682.27 superfecta. The horse’s decisive performance has now positioned him as a serious contender for the Triple Crown heading into the Preakness Stakes. This dramatic Derby upset and the emotional comeback of jockey Alvarado provided a memorable chapter in the storied race’s history.