Sovereignty Claims Commanding Victory in 151st Kentucky Derby, Giving Bill Mott a Second Win

 

Sovereignty Claims Commanding Victory in 151st Kentucky Derby, Giving Bill Mott a Second Win

The 151st Kentucky Derby was won by Sovereignty on Saturday, giving Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott his second career victory in the storied race. This time, there was no controversy.

After 13 prior efforts, the gifted colt defeated 3-1 favorite Journalism in an exciting stretch fight on a wet track at Churchill Downs, giving owner Godolphin his first-ever Kentucky Derby victory. After this clean and decisive conclusion, there was no need for delays or disqualifications; jockey Junior Alvarado put on a strong showing.

A Clean Victory After 2019’s Disputed Win

When Country House was moved to first place after Maximum Security was disqualified in a 22-minute post-race review, Mott's first Derby victory of 2019 came with a warning. There was never any question about Sovereignty's position at the top. Still, this year's outcome also required a little delay as stewards examined a packed start and verified the picture finish for second.

According to Mott, "This one got there the right way." He comes from a strong organization and is a great horse. I have nothing but praise for him and the group that helped them win.

 

A Triumphant Weekend for Godolphin

Sovereignty, owned and bred by the Godolphin racing stable of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, gave the operation a spectacular finish to the weekend. Ruling Court, the son of Triple Crown champion Justify, won the 2,000 Guineas in Britain the day before, and Godolphin's filly Good Cheer had won the Kentucky Oaks.

Mott stated, "I've had a long relationship with Sheikh Mohammed and the Godolphin team." “To be a part of this victory is an honor.”

Sovereignty Shines on the Sloppy Track

After running 1¼ miles in 2:02.31, Sovereignty finished 1½ lengths ahead of Journalism. He got $3.1 million from the $5 million prize pool after paying $17.96 to win at 7-1 odds.

After a rough start, Journalism, who was trained by Michael McCarthy and ridden by Umberto Rispoli, recovered and settled into his rhythm towards the end of the race. McCarthy said, "The winner ran a better race." "We simply were unable to capture him."

After being injured during Sovereignty's most recent appearance, jockey Junior Alvarado rejoined the colt for his first Kentucky Derby victory in six tries.

Alvarado remarked, "It's more than a dream come true." He let me know when it was time to leave, and I felt secure the entire week. After that, we didn't search

 

Top Finishers and Race Conditions

Following a scratch on Thursday, Baeza was a late entry but quickly closed to third place, followed by Owen Almighty in fifth and Final Gambit in fourth. Setting the early pace, Citizen Bull, the sole horse who represented the renowned trainer Bob Baffert, eventually dropped to 14th place. Following a three-year suspension following Medina Spirit's disallowed 2021 victory, Baffert made a comeback to the Derby.

The 89-year-old entry American Promise, owned by four-time Derby champion D. Wayne Lukas, finished in 15th position.

Over 147,000 spectators braved the weather at Churchill Downs beneath umbrellas and ponchos as the track was officially declared sloppy due to the rain that fell throughout the day.

Admire Daytona, Burnham Square, Sandman, East Avenue, Chunk of Gold, Tiztastic, Coal Battle, Neoequos, Publisher, Citizen Bull, American Promise, Render Judgment, and Flying Mohawk completed the order of finish.