LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The roses draped over Sovereignty’s neck glowed crimson under the Churchill Downs lights on May 3, 2025, as the bay colt claimed the 151st Kentucky Derby in a heart-pounding finish. With a crowd of thousands roaring, the three-year-old thoroughbred, guided by jockey Junior Alvarado, surged down the final stretch to edge out Journalism in a race that lived up to its billing as the most exciting two minutes in sports.
The day started with gray skies threatening rain, but by the time the 20 horses paraded to the post, the clouds parted. Gates opened at 9 a.m., and the track buzzed with fans in wide-brimmed hats and seersucker suits, sipping mint juleps and eyeing the odds. The 1.25-mile course, a grueling test for young horses, was set to challenge a field stacked with talent. Sovereignty, trained by Bill Mott, wasn’t the favorite—bettors leaned toward others—but the colt had a quiet confidence, ears pricked, as he stepped into the starting gate.
At 6:57 p.m., the bell rang, and the pack exploded forward. Coal Battle, a late contender, had to be reshod earlier, delaying the buildup, but no one cared once the dirt started flying. Sovereignty broke clean, hugging the rail, while Alvarado bided his time. Halfway through, Journalism made a move, pulling ahead with a stride that looked unstoppable. But on the final turn, Sovereignty found another gear. Alvarado, crouched low, urged him on, and the colt responded, neck stretched, hooves pounding, closing the gap with every stride.
The final furlong was chaos. Journalism fought back, but Sovereignty’s will was iron. He crossed the wire a nose ahead, sealing a victory that sent the grandstands into a frenzy. The official time wasn’t announced immediately, but the $5 million purse—the richest in Derby history—was his. Simone Biles, who’d called “Riders Up!” earlier, was among the celebrities watching as the garland of roses was laid across Sovereignty’s withers.
Mott, a veteran trainer with a knack for underdogs, was all grins in the winner’s circle. Alvarado, still catching his breath, credited the horse’s heart. The connections, a tight-knit crew, hoisted the trophy as cameras flashed. For Louisville, a city that lives for this day, the 151st Derby delivered a story to tell for years.
Sovereignty’s win marked the first Kentucky Derby victory for both Alvarado and the colt’s ownership group. The race, held annually at Churchill Downs, drew a global audience and capped a day of 12 races starting at 11 a.m. The track, located at 700 Central Ave., banned umbrellas, a rule fans grumbled about but followed. The 2025 purse matched last year’s record high.