Kentucky Derby 2025 winner, results, payout: Sovereignty edges out favorite Journalism in first leg of 2025 Triple Crown
It was a win for Sovereignty over Journalism at the 151st Kentucky Derby.
The Bill Mott-trained horse won a rainy first leg of the Triple Crown with a time of 2:02.31 after closing at 7-1 odds, with race favorite Journalism placing and late entry Baeza showing.
Both Sovereignty and Journalism opened a fast-paced race deep in the pack, with the Bob Baffert-trained Citizen Bull leading for the first half of the race alongside long shots Neoequos and Owen Almighty. They came up big in the second half of the race, though, surging from the outside and making it a two-horse thriller for the final stretch.
The 2025 Kentucky Derby featured a purse of $5 million, same as last year, and will be split among the race's top-five finishers, with $3.1 million going to Sovereignty.
As for the public's winnings, a $2 bet on Sovereignty to win would have paid out $17.96, with payouts of $48.32 for an exacta, $231.12 for a trifecta and $1,682.27 for a superfecta on a $1 bet.
The win is the first at the Kentucky Derby for both owner Godolphin, the organization owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and jockey Junior Alvarado. It is the second for Mott, and the first in which his horse actually crossed the finish line before the other horses.
Mott's Country House was named the winner of the controversial 2019 Derby after race favorite Maximum Security was disqualified after the race stewards ruled it unfairly impeded at least three other horses. This win probably felt a bit sweeter.
'He made up a lot of ground in a hurry,' Mott said afterward, according to the Los Angeles Times. 'This one got here the right way. I mean, he's done well, he's a great horse. He comes to us from a great organization. [Godolphin] and I can't say enough about the horse and the organization that started him out and did everything to make this happen.'
All 19 horses were running through muddy conditions after a full day of rain at Churchill Downs. Two horses were also scratched in the days leading up to the race, with the Baffert-trained Rodriguez and long shot Grande both out due to foot bruises. Baeza was inserted into the field as the replacement for Rodriguez and quickly rose up to 14-1 odds.
Journalism entered Saturday as the 3-1 favorite and went off at 7-2.
The race also saw the return of Baffert, the legendary trainer who served a three-year suspension from Churchill Downs after his horse Medina Spirit tested positive for banned substance betamethasone and was stripped of its win at the 2021 Kentucky Derby. While Rodriguez was scratched, Citizen Bull entered the race at 13-1.
1. Sovereignty2. Journalism3. Baeza4. Final Gambit5. Owen Almighty6. Burnham Square7. Sandman8. East Avenue9. Chunk of Gold10. Tiztastic11. Coal Battle12. Luxor Cafe13. Neoequos14. Publisher15. Citizen Bull16. American Promise17. Render Judgement18. Flying Mohawk19. Admire Daytona
Fun fact: All 19 of those horses are descended from Secretariat.
Here's how the entire Kentucky Derby festivities went down at Churchill Downs, via Yahoo Sports:
Here's a look at the official 2025 Kentucky Derby derby results, including their morning line odds. Journalism, who entered as the odds favorite to win, finished second behind racehorse Sovereignty, whose morning line odds opened at 5-1.
Sovereignty (5-1)
Journalism (3-1)
Baeza (12-1)
Final Gambit (30-1)
Owen Almighty (30-1)
Burnham Square (12-1)
Sandman (6-1)
East Avenue (20-1)
Chunk of Gold (30-1)
Tiztastic (20-1)
Coal Battle (30-1)
Luxor Cafe (15-1)
Neoequos (30-1)
Publisher (20-1)
Citizen Bull (20-1)
American Promise (30-1)
Render Judgment (30-1)
Flying Mohawk (30-1)
Admire Daytona (30-1)
Wondering what you would have won if you placed a perfect bet on the 2025 Kentucky Derby? Here's a look at the payouts:
18 - Sovereignty WIN: $17.96 PLACE: $7.50 SHOW: $5.58
8 - Journalism PLACE: $4.94 SHOW: $3.70
21 - Baeza SHOW: $5.58
$2.00 EXACTA 18-8 $48.32
$1.00 TRIFECTA 18-8-21 $231.12
$1.00 SUPERFECTA 18-8-21-3 $1,682.27
The 2025 Kentucky Derby has a total purse of $5 million, with the top five taking home prize money. Here's a look at the winnings for each horse in the top
Sovereignty: $3,100,000
Journalism: $1,000,000
Baeza: $500,000
Final Gambit: $250,000
Owen Almighty: $150,000
Sovereignty wins! 🌹 pic.twitter.com/5xJkjxcxIN
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 3, 2025
After a slight delay due to rain, Sovereignty ran to victory at the 151st Kentucky Derby.
SOVEREIGNTY RULES THE 151st KENTUCKY DERBY! 🌹 #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/WfLBrG4Zv4
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 3, 2025
Citizen Bull, the only Bob Baffert-trained horse left in the race after Rodriguez was scratched on Friday, pulled out to an early lead, but was quickly overcome by the field. Journalism, the odds-on favorite, and Sovereignty were neck-and-neck before Sovereignty pulled ahead down the stretch.
Junior Alvarado, Sovereignty's jockey, picked up his first Kentucky Derby win with the victory, while Sovereignty's trainer, William I. Mott, earns his second win at the event.
Racehorse Sovereignty wins the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
Sovereignty wins the 151st Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve. pic.twitter.com/29fSZ8ORoW
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 3, 2025
The "Riders Up" call for the 2025 Kentucky Derby has officially been made by the most decorated gymnast in the world — Simone Biles!
Simone Biles with the 'Riders Up' call at Kentucky Derby 151. #KentuckyDerby #KentuckyDerby151 pic.twitter.com/zHJcS8YnxN
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 3, 2025
Racehorse Journalism remains the odds-favorite at 7/2 followed by Sandman at 5-1, Luxor Cafe (8-1) and Sovereignty at (9-1). Journalism will race from the No. 8 spot, jockeyed by Umberto Rispoli.
NBC Sports commentator Mike Tirico is officially out for the remainder of the 2025 Kentucky Derby broadcast after suffering a nut allergy exposure, it was announced Saturday afternoon. Ahmed Fareed stepped in for the call and will remain for the race, with post time set for 6:57 p.m. ET.
NFL players couldn't pass up the 151st Kentucky Derby! 🏈🐎#KyDerby pic.twitter.com/PA9dkMvS28
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) May 3, 2025
A brief pause in the rain will not last long as downpour continues to dominate the forecast in Louisville.
According to AccuWeather, there is 52% chance of rain through 8 p.m. ET. Chances increase to 58% until the sky clears up at 11 p.m. ET.
Temperatures remain in the upper fifties through midnight with wind gust moving at 7 mph.
We're rapidly approaching our scheduled post time of 6:57 p.m. ET for the 2025 Kentucky Derby!
Dial up your televisions to NBC in order watch the 151st Run for the Roses. For those looking to livestream the event, you can tune in on Peacock via web browser or the Peacock app on your preferred system.
NBC Sports betting analyst Drew Dinsick offers his insights on odds shifts as conditions on the track shift following rain and the early run of races at Churchill Downs.
The Garland of Roses is here! 😍Who will have these beauties draped over their neck today? pic.twitter.com/PnVMQOxmV6
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 3, 2025
Will another horse with double digit odds keep the streak alive and win the 151st Kentucky Derby? 👀 #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/MhBk3K2Sjp
— NBC Sports Bet (@NBCSportsBet) May 3, 2025
Spectators at Churchill Downs are still experiencing light rain with temperatures in the higher fifties.
AccuWeather projects 64% chance of rain at 5 p.m. ET with wind gusts moving at 5 mph.
The rainy conditions are expected to continue through 10 p.m. ET.
The @woodfordreserve $5K Mint Julep. #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/AX7RcSsCdA
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 3, 2025
These celebs have some ideas...
There are NO rules when it comes to a horse's name. 😂 #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/k6ssSsjxQo
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 3, 2025
This guy may have won best hat at the Kentucky Derby 🤯 pic.twitter.com/XPekOFnKZN
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 3, 2025
NBC Sports announcer Mike Tirico is feeling "under the weather" and has been replaced with Ahmed Fareed. Fareed noted a potential for Tirico to return to coverage if he's feeling better during his intro.
Mike Tirico is feeling "under the weather" and has stepped away from NBC's Kentucky Derby coverage, at least for now. Ahmed Fareed is pinch hitting in the meantime. pic.twitter.com/HetSzxEAJI
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 3, 2025
Morning line odds for the 2025 Kentucky Derby have shifted! Here are the latest betting lines for the 19 participants, in order of pole position, courtesy of KentuckyDerby.com.
Citizen Bull (13-1)
Neoequos (38-1)
Final Gambit (14-1)
American Promise (12-1)
Admire Daytona (39-1)
Luxor Cafe (8-1)
Journalism (4-1)
Burnham Square (17-1)
Flying Mohawk (28-1)
East Avenue (39-1)
Publisher (30-1)
Tiztastic (20-1)
Render Judgment (16-1)
Coal Battle (24-1)
Sandman (5-1)
Sovereignty (9-1)
Chunk of Gold (27-1)
Owen Almighty (37-1)
Baeza (17-1)
Here's a look at the official 2025 Kentucky Derby derby results, including their morning line odds. Journalism, who entered as the odds favorite to win, finished second behind racehorse Sovereignty, whose morning line odds opened at 5-1.
Sovereignty (5-1)
Journalism (3-1)
Baeza (12-1)
Final Gambit (30-1)
Owen Almighty (30-1)
Burnham Square (12-1)
Sandman (6-1)
East Avenue (20-1)
Chunk of Gold (30-1)
Tiztastic (20-1)
Coal Battle (30-1)
Luxor Cafe (15-1)
Neoequos (30-1)
Publisher (20-1)
Citizen Bull (20-1)
American Promise (30-1)
Render Judgment (30-1)
Flying Mohawk (30-1)
Admire Daytona (30-1)
Wondering what you would have won if you placed a perfect bet on the 2025 Kentucky Derby? Here's a look at the payouts:
18 - Sovereignty WIN: $17.96 PLACE: $7.50 SHOW: $5.58
8 - Journalism PLACE: $4.94 SHOW: $3.70
21 - Baeza SHOW: $5.58
$2.00 EXACTA 18-8 $48.32
$1.00 TRIFECTA 18-8-21 $231.12
$1.00 SUPERFECTA 18-8-21-3 $1,682.27
The 2025 Kentucky Derby has a total purse of $5 million, with the top five taking home prize money. Here's a look at the winnings for each horse in the top
Sovereignty: $3,100,000
Journalism: $1,000,000
Baeza: $500,000
Final Gambit: $250,000
Owen Almighty: $150,000
Sovereignty wins! 🌹 pic.twitter.com/5xJkjxcxIN
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 3, 2025
After a slight delay due to rain, Sovereignty ran to victory at the 151st Kentucky Derby.
SOVEREIGNTY RULES THE 151st KENTUCKY DERBY! 🌹 #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/WfLBrG4Zv4
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 3, 2025
Citizen Bull, the only Bob Baffert-trained horse left in the race after Rodriguez was scratched on Friday, pulled out to an early lead, but was quickly overcome by the field. Journalism, the odds-on favorite, and Sovereignty were neck-and-neck before Sovereignty pulled ahead down the stretch.
Junior Alvarado, Sovereignty's jockey, picked up his first Kentucky Derby win with the victory, while Sovereignty's trainer, William I. Mott, earns his second win at the event.
Racehorse Sovereignty wins the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
Sovereignty wins the 151st Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve. pic.twitter.com/29fSZ8ORoW
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 3, 2025
The "Riders Up" call for the 2025 Kentucky Derby has officially been made by the most decorated gymnast in the world — Simone Biles!
Simone Biles with the 'Riders Up' call at Kentucky Derby 151. #KentuckyDerby #KentuckyDerby151 pic.twitter.com/zHJcS8YnxN
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 3, 2025
Racehorse Journalism remains the odds-favorite at 7/2 followed by Sandman at 5-1, Luxor Cafe (8-1) and Sovereignty at (9-1). Journalism will race from the No. 8 spot, jockeyed by Umberto Rispoli.
NBC Sports commentator Mike Tirico is officially out for the remainder of the 2025 Kentucky Derby broadcast after suffering a nut allergy exposure, it was announced Saturday afternoon. Ahmed Fareed stepped in for the call and will remain for the race, with post time set for 6:57 p.m. ET.
NFL players couldn't pass up the 151st Kentucky Derby! 🏈🐎#KyDerby pic.twitter.com/PA9dkMvS28
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) May 3, 2025
A brief pause in the rain will not last long as downpour continues to dominate the forecast in Louisville.
According to AccuWeather, there is 52% chance of rain through 8 p.m. ET. Chances increase to 58% until the sky clears up at 11 p.m. ET.
Temperatures remain in the upper fifties through midnight with wind gust moving at 7 mph.
We're rapidly approaching our scheduled post time of 6:57 p.m. ET for the 2025 Kentucky Derby!
Dial up your televisions to NBC in order watch the 151st Run for the Roses. For those looking to livestream the event, you can tune in on Peacock via web browser or the Peacock app on your preferred system.
NBC Sports betting analyst Drew Dinsick offers his insights on odds shifts as conditions on the track shift following rain and the early run of races at Churchill Downs.
The Garland of Roses is here! 😍Who will have these beauties draped over their neck today? pic.twitter.com/PnVMQOxmV6
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 3, 2025
Will another horse with double digit odds keep the streak alive and win the 151st Kentucky Derby? 👀 #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/MhBk3K2Sjp
— NBC Sports Bet (@NBCSportsBet) May 3, 2025
Spectators at Churchill Downs are still experiencing light rain with temperatures in the higher fifties.
AccuWeather projects 64% chance of rain at 5 p.m. ET with wind gusts moving at 5 mph.
The rainy conditions are expected to continue through 10 p.m. ET.
The @woodfordreserve $5K Mint Julep. #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/AX7RcSsCdA
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 3, 2025
These celebs have some ideas...
There are NO rules when it comes to a horse's name. 😂 #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/k6ssSsjxQo
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 3, 2025
This guy may have won best hat at the Kentucky Derby 🤯 pic.twitter.com/XPekOFnKZN
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 3, 2025
NBC Sports announcer Mike Tirico is feeling "under the weather" and has been replaced with Ahmed Fareed. Fareed noted a potential for Tirico to return to coverage if he's feeling better during his intro.
Mike Tirico is feeling "under the weather" and has stepped away from NBC's Kentucky Derby coverage, at least for now. Ahmed Fareed is pinch hitting in the meantime. pic.twitter.com/HetSzxEAJI
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 3, 2025
Morning line odds for the 2025 Kentucky Derby have shifted! Here are the latest betting lines for the 19 participants, in order of pole position, courtesy of KentuckyDerby.com.
Citizen Bull (13-1)
Neoequos (38-1)
Final Gambit (14-1)
American Promise (12-1)
Admire Daytona (39-1)
Luxor Cafe (8-1)
Journalism (4-1)
Burnham Square (17-1)
Flying Mohawk (28-1)
East Avenue (39-1)
Publisher (30-1)
Tiztastic (20-1)
Render Judgment (16-1)
Coal Battle (24-1)
Sandman (5-1)
Sovereignty (9-1)
Chunk of Gold (27-1)
Owen Almighty (37-1)
Baeza (17-1)
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