Sovereignty Fulfills Godolphin's Lifelong Dream with Kentucky Derby Triumph

With Venezuelan jockey Junior Alvarado in the irons, the son of Into Mischief convincingly defeated favored Journalism, delivering to Sheikh Mohammed the long-awaited success he had pursued for years. It was a memorable afternoon at Churchill Downs for South American racing, which enjoyed a prominent role on the sport’s grandest stage

Sovereignty and Junior Alvarado, in their moment of glory / CHURCHILL DOWNS

By Diego H. Mitagstein

The story was one for the ages: a colt ridden by a Venezuelan jockey outdueling another bred and partially owned by a Chilean operation to bring glory to South America in the 151st running of the GI Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

On a rain-soaked Saturday in Louisville, it was Sovereignty who rose to the occasion for Godolphin, turning back the late charge of a gallant favorite in Journalism—bred by Haras Don Alberto—before a crowd of more than 140,000. For Venezuelan rider Junior Alvarado, it was a career-defining moment, and for Sheikh Mohammed’s team, a long-sought triumph in the first leg of the American Triple Crown.

A son of Into Mischief, Sovereignty completed a spectacular weekend for Godolphin, who had already landed the GI Kentucky Oaks with Good Cheer (Medaglia d’Oro) on Friday and struck again early Saturday when Ruling Court(Justify) captured the G1 Betfred 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. But this one was different—this was the Derby, the race Sheikh Mohammed had always dreamed of winning.

"¡Viva Venezuela!" shouted an emotional Alvarado, still aboard Sovereignty in the moments following the biggest victory of his life. “I thank Bill Mott, Godolphin, everyone on this team for trusting me. They gave me the confidence and security I needed to make this happen.”

The win carried added weight for Alvarado, who missed the ride on Sovereignty in the GI Florida Derby due to an injury just days before. "When I came out of the hospital, Bill told me to focus on getting better, that we'd be here together—and here we are," he said, flanked by his wife Kelly and family, all brimming with emotion.

The 2025 Derby, contested over a demanding, rain-affected track, delivered on its promise of drama. Citizen Bull (Into Mischief) set a contested pace alongside Neoequous (Neolithic), American Promise (Justify), and Owen Almighty(Speightstown) through fractions of :22.81, :46.23, and 1:10.78. Journalism and Sovereignty tracked behind the first flight, poised to strike.

As they rounded the far turn, Journalism made the first move, with Sovereignty shadowing him closely. Turning into the stretch, Owen Almighty briefly loomed, but it was Journalism who surged to the front—only to be matched and then passed by Sovereignty, who asserted decisively with 200 meters to run and drew off to a clear victory.

The win was worth $3.1 million and boosted Sovereignty’s earnings to $3,672,800 from a 6-3-1-1 record. Bred in Kentucky, the colt is out of Crowned (Bernardini) and was winning his third graded stakes after taking last fall’s GIII Street Sense S. over a similar muddy track at Churchill.

“He broke well,” said Alvarado. “But three or four jumps out, a horse came over on me and I had to check a little. I just hoped he hadn’t lost a shoe, considering how wet it was. I saved ground into the first turn, and down the backstretch he was moving beautifully. When we hit the five-furlong marker, he told me he was ready. I didn’t want to rush him too soon. When we got into the stretch, I tipped him out and he showed exactly what he can do.”

For Bill Mott, it was his second Derby win following Country House (Lookin At Lucky) in 2019. “To share this moment with my family is beyond special,” he said. “It takes a village to bring a horse to this point—from breeding to raising to breaking. We were fortunate to have this horse in our barn. Having it happen with Junior, someone I’ve worked with for years, makes it even more meaningful. And to win it for Godolphin and Sheikh Mohammed—it’s an honor.”

Italian rider Umberto Rispoli was gracious in defeat aboard Journalism. “I had the exact trip I wanted. Saved ground, waited, and when it was time to go, he responded. But Sovereignty was just better today.”

For South American racing, it was a shining moment. And for Sovereignty, with the blue Godolphin silks and a powerful Derby score under his belt, the journey toward the Triple Crown continues with the world watching.