Sovereignty Shines: A Historic Victory at the 2025 Kentucky Derby
Legendary trainer Bill Mott secures a well-deserved win as Sovereignty charges to glory at Churchill Downs.
A Night to Remember at Churchill Downs
In front of a lively crowd of 147,406 spectators, Sovereignty stormed down the final stretch to win the 2025 Kentucky Derby by 1½ lengths, giving seasoned trainer Bill Mott his second Derby title.
Unlike his controversial first victory in 2019 — which came after a disqualification — this one was clear, clean, and full of emotion.
“This is better,” Mott said, smiling. “This one got here the right way.”
Key Highlights from the 2025 Kentucky Derby
Winning Horse: Sovereignty
Trainer: Bill Mott
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Winning Time: 2:02.31 on a sloppy track
Payout: $17.96 for a $2 win bet
Track Conditions: Rainy and muddy
Crowd Attendance: 147,406 fans
Jockey Junior Alvarado: First Derby Triumph
Jockey Junior Alvarado, guiding Sovereignty for the first time in the Derby, delivered a masterful performance.
“Every move I made, he was right there with me,” Alvarado said. “I can’t even describe this feeling.”
This marks Alvarado’s first-ever Kentucky Derby win, making it a moment he’ll never forget.
How the Race Unfolded
Early in the race, Citizen Bull—trained by the famous Bob Baffert—led the pack alongside Neoequos, Owen Almighty, and American Promise. But as the race wore on and the muddy track took its toll, the leaders began to fade.
Journalism took the lead off the final turn
Sovereignty surged ahead in the final furlong
Final Result:
🥇 Sovereignty
🥈 Journalism (2nd)
🥉 Baeza (3rd)
🎖️ Final Gambit (4th)
A Special Win for Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin
This victory was also significant for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Godolphin, as it marked his first Kentucky Derby win in 13 attempts.
Godolphin also won the Kentucky Oaks the day before with Good Cheer
Sovereignty earned a massive $3.1 million prize
The colt’s record now stands at 3 wins in 6 starts
Baffert’s Return Falls Flat
Returning to the Kentucky Derby for the first time since 2021, Bob Baffert had high hopes of securing a record-breaking seventh Derby win. But Citizen Bull could only manage 15th place.
“He didn’t like the mud,” said jockey Martin Garcia. “He just never got comfortable.”
Baffert remains tied with Ben Jones at six career Derby victories.
What’s Next: Will Sovereignty Run in the Preakness?
The next leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes, takes place on May 17 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. But Sovereignty’s team isn’t rushing to make a decision.
“He ran hard today,” said Michael Bahanan, Godolphin USA’s bloodstock director. “We’ll see how he recovers.”
Trainer Mott is also taking a cautious approach.
A Journey from South Dakota to Churchill Downs
Bill Mott reminisced about his early love for the Kentucky Derby, first hearing it on AM radio in 1967 from the front seat of a GMC pickup in South Dakota. He’s now been training at Barn 19 at Churchill Downs since 1980.
“Churchill has been special to me,” said Mott. “This win is the icing on the cake — but I still want more.”
Final Thoughts: A Derby to Remember
The 2025 Kentucky Derby gave fans everything — drama, passion, and a deserved winner. Sovereignty’s win wasn’t just about speed; it was about heart, history, and the enduring spirit of horse racing.
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