Sovereignty Wins Derby; Godolphin, Alvarado Make History

Sovereignty, trained by Bill Mott and ridden by Junior Alvarado, won the 151st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, overcoming sloppy track conditions and defeating favorite Journalism in a dramatic finish. The victory marked Alvarado's first Derby win and snapped a 0-for-13 Derby streak for owner Godolphin, who also celebrated a win in the Kentucky Oaks with their filly Good Cheer the previous day. Sovereignty started at 7-1 odds and surged past the favorite in the final stretch, solidifying his status as a Triple Crown contender ahead of the Preakness Stakes on May 17. The $5 million race drew a record crowd and was only the tenth Derby contested on a sloppy track. Bob Baffert returned to the Derby after serving a three-year suspension, adding further significance to the event. Trainer Bill Mott reflected on the meaningfulness of this victory following his 2019 Derby win by disqualification.