Sovereignty came away with the win in the 151st Kentucky Derby, conquering a sloppy Churchill Downs track in a race where heavy favorite Journalism was expected to take the title. But in the final stretch, veteran Venezuelan jockey Junior Alvarado showed his hunger for victory and surged ahead to capture the crown.
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.
- Sovereignty
- Journalism
- Baeza
- Final Gambit
- Owen Almighty
- Burnham Square
- Sandman
- East Avenue
- Chunk of Gold
- Tiztastic
- Coal Battle
- Luxor Cafe
- Neoequos
- Publisher
- Citizen Bull
- American Promise
- Render Judgement
- Flying Mohawk
- Admire Daytona
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – MAY 03: Jockey Junior Alvarado celebrates atop of Sovereignty #18 after winning the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 03, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
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.
