Sovereignty outduels preferred Journalism in stretch to win sloppy 2025
By BETH HARRIS AP Racing Writer
LOUISVILLE, Ky.– Sovereignty provided trainer Costs Mott a second Kentucky Derby triumph. This time there was no doubt about it and no asterisk.The 3-year-old colt outdueled 3-1 favorite Journalism down the stretch to win the 151st Derby in the slop on Saturday, snapping an 0 for 13 skid by owner Godolphin.Mott won his first Derby in 2019, also worked on a sloppy track, when Nation Home rose to initially after Maximum Security crossed the goal first and was disqualified throughout a 22-minute delay.It took a few minutes for Saturday’s outcomes to be made authorities while the stewards figured out a picture for 2nd and reviewed the chaotic start.Mott understood all the while who made the garland of red roses.”This one arrived properly,” the Hall of Fame trainer stated.
“I suggest, he’s succeeded, he’s a fantastic horse, he comes from a great company and I can’t say adequate about the horse and the organization that began him out and made this occur. “Godolphin is the racing stable of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.It was rather a weekend for the sheikh. His filly, Good Cheer, won the Kentucky Oaks on Friday and earlier Saturday, Judgment Court– a boy of 2018 Triple Crown winner Validate– won the 2,000 Guineas in Britain.Sovereignty, also reproduced by the sheikh, splashed through 1 1/4 miles in 2:02.31 and paid$ 17.96 to win at 7-1 chances. He’s the record 20th horse with a name beginning with ‘S’ to win.” It’s excellent, “Mott stated.” I believe it will take a bit to
sink in.”Journalism didn’t have the cleanest of trips in the 19-horse field, however rallied to stay in the fight. He discovered problem in the first turn and jockey Umberto Rispoli swung him outside
to get him in the clear. Sovereignty and jockey Junior Alvarado followed them
.”He was stating to me,’Listen, I’m ready,’ so from there I started getting,”Alvarado said.The 2 colts attached at the eighth pole for an exhilarating fight before Sovereignty pulled away.Alvarado won his first Derby in 6 shots. He and Sovereignty were reunited after Alvarado had actually missed the colt’s last start in the Florida Derby because he was hurt.”It’s more than a dream come true,”the 38-year-old Venezuelan said.
“I thought I had an excellent chance. I was positive the whole week. “Baeza– who entered the race on Thursday after another horse was scratched– took 3rd. Final Gambit was 4th and Owen Almighty ended up fifth.Citizen Bull, the lone entry for six-time Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert, set the pace
. Baffert was back on the very first Saturday in May having serving a three-year suspension by Churchill Downs after his Medina Spirit crossed the finish line first in 2021 and stopped working a postrace drug test.D. Wayne Lukas, the 89-year-old four-time Derby winner, saw his colt American Guarantee end up right behind Baffert in 15th. Rain made for a soggy day, with the Churchill Downs dirt strip noted as careless and fans securing their elegant hats and clothing with clear plastic ponchos.Burnham Square was sixth, followed by Sandman, East Avenue, Chunk of Gold, Tiztastic, Coal Fight, Neoequos, Publisher, Person Bull, American Pledge, Render Judgment, Flying Mohawk and Admire Daytona.