At the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, the horse attracted a massive final bid of $975,000, a price documented by industry authorities like BloodHorse and Equibase. Since that initial investment, his value has skyrocketed; with over $1.03 million in career earnings already secured and a Grade 1 victory under his belt.

Renegade is currently riding a wave of momentum following back-to-back dominant victories in 2026. He first showcased his talent in February by winning the Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs, but it was his breathtaking performance in the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1) on March 28 that truly sealed his status.

Who is the jockey running Renegade in the Derby?

Guiding Renegade through the crowded 20-horse field is the world-class jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., a five-time Eclipse Award winner. Ortiz has been the regular pilot for Renegade during his successful three-year-old campaign. Despite his immense success globally, Ortiz is also chasing his first career Kentucky Derby win.

The duo will face a daunting task as they attempt to break the infamous “Rail Curse” after drawing Post Position 1. Statistics show that no horse has won the Kentucky Derby from the inside rail since Ferdinand in 1986—a 40-year drought that Ortiz will have to navigate with expert precision.

Despite the difficult draw, the synergy between Ortiz and Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher remains the gold standard for the 2026 field. Pletcher, who has already conditioned two previous Derby winners, has prepared Renegade to be at his absolute physical peak for the first Saturday in May. If Ortiz can find clear running room, the $975,000 son of Into Mischief has every tool necessary to finally deliver Mike Repole and the Lows the most coveted trophy.

Following closely in the betting is Commandment, a Brad Cox trainee who secured his spot by winning the Florida Derby in impressive fashion. Jockey Luis Saez will take the reins for owner Wathnan Racing, hoping to deliver a victory for the powerhouse stable.

Another top contender is Further Ado, who captured the Blue Grass Stakes to prove his elite status on the dirt. This Spendthrift Farm star will benefit from the experience of Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, a three-time Derby winner.

Detailed list of horses for the derby

Beyond the favorites, The Puma has emerged as a serious threat after a strong runner-up finish in the Florida Derby. Trained by Gustavo Delgado and ridden by Javier Castellano, he looks to repeat the “Mage” magic for his Venezuelan connections.

West Coast fans are backing So Happy, the Santa Anita Derby winner trained by Mark Glatt for Norman Stables. This speedy colt will have the “Big Money” experience of veteran jockey Mike Smith navigating the 1 1/4-mile journey.

Renegade is one of the valuable horses in the derby, but he faces stiff competition from international stars like Japan’s Danon Bourbon. With 20 horses in the hunt, the 2026 field promises one of the most competitive races in recent memory.

In a dramatic Derby finish that coincided with Sovereignty’s birthday, the replay showed jockey Junior Alvarado skillfully maneuvering the colt from the outside. Alvarado gradually closed in on Journalism, and the two horses battled neck-and-neck before Sovereignty pulled ahead in the final moments to win by a little over a length.

“‘A race that we always wanted to win,'” trainer William I. Mott declared during the celebration of his Kentucky Derby victory. This marks Mott’s second Derby win, his first coming in 2019. It’s also his second American Classic title, adding to his Belmont Stakes win.

Kentucky Derby 2025 full results

While many anticipated a victory for favorite Journalism in the Kentucky Derby, the colt ultimately finished second, a respectable result suggesting future opportunities. However, the spotlight now shines on Sovereignty, who secured his third major win and second of 2025, adding the prestigious Derby title to his Fountain of Youth Stakes victory earlier this year – both achieved with Junior Alvarado in the saddle.

1. Sovereignty
2. Journalism
3. Baeza
4. Final Gambit
5. Owen Almighty
6. Burnham Square
7. Sandman
8. East Avenue
9. Chunk of Gold
10. Tiztastic
11. Coal Battle
12. Luxor Cafe
13. Neoequos
14. Publisher
15. Citizen Bull
16. American Promise
17. Render Judgement
18. Flying Mohawk
19. Admire Daytona

How many major victories does Junior Alvarado have?

Veteran jockey Junior Alvarado boasts a significant career, securing his first major win in 2009. With the exceptions of 2019 and 2024, Alvarado has consistently added to his tally, amassing a total of 58 major victories. Throughout his career, he has partnered with notable horses such as Cody’s Wish, Just FYI, Flat Out, Mohaymen, Moreno, and Lubash.

Now, Patrick Mahomeshas entered the conversation as one of the best quarterbacks in history. Last season, he wassensational throwing for 5250 yards and 41 touchdowns. Mahomes is only 27-years old. Just incredible.

Aa a result, just a few weeks ago, Patrick Mahomeswas included inTIME’s magazine list of the100 Most Influential Peoplein 2023. This weekend, the quarterback get another amazing distinction at the Kentucky Derby.

Why is Patrick Mahomes at the 2023 Kentucky Derby?

Patrick Mahomes has been invited to the Kentucky Derby to call the traditional: Riders Up! Every year, a special guest gets the honor to ‘command’the jockeys to mount their horses before the prestigious race. The quarterback is the chosen one for 2023.

As a Super Bowl championand a future Hall of Famer, Mahomes fills all the qualities needed by the Kentucky Derby’s organization as the invitee has to be “a dignitary or celebrity attendee”.

This Saturday, Patrick Mahomes will be in charge of one of the most special moments in the Kentucky Derby’s protocol. In fact, as it happens in boxing with the famous Let’s Get Ready to Rumble, the Riders Up phrase has been used throughout the years to fire all the spectators at the track and also at home watching the race.