The 151st Kentucky Derby took place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race was won by Sovereignty, a 3-year-old colt trained by Bill Mott and ridden by jockey Junior Alvarado. Sovereignty triumphed with 7-1 odds, defeating the 3-1 favorite, Journalism, who finished second. Baeza secured third place, while Final Gambit came in fourth.
Sovereignty’s victory was notable not only for the upset over the favorite but also for the challenging track conditions, as the race was run on a rain-soaked, sloppy surface. This win marked a significant achievement for jockey Junior Alvarado, who described it as “more than even a dream come true.”
The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the American Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Sovereignty’s victory sets the stage for a potential Triple Crown bid, a feat achieved by only 13 horses in history.
For those interested in experiencing the Kentucky Derby in person, official ticket packages for the 2026 event will go on sale on Monday, May 5, 2025.