Kentucky Derby: All on Sovereignty's jockey Junior Alvarado, trainer and owner
Sovereignty won the 2025 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, securing a $3.1 million prize from the $5 million purse. The racehorse beat the favorite Journalism in the last stretch. Ridden by jockey Junior Alvarado, Sovereignty is trained by William I. Mott, and owned by Godolphin.
Wilmer Alexander Alvarado, popularly known as Junior Alvarado, was born in Barquisimeto, Venezuela. The 38-year-old's father was a jockey, as per Blood-Horse. Alvardo moved to the US in 2007 and started off on Florida tracks like Calder Race Course, per Equibase.
Over 2,200 wins and $114 million in purse earnings as of 2025, per Equibase.
Notable wins include the 2021 Preakness Stakes (Rombauer), 2019 Breeders' Cup Distaff (Blue Prize), and 2018 Manhattan Stakes (Spring Quality), per Blood-Horse.
First jockey to win six races on a single card at Saratoga (August 2012), per NYRA.
2025 Derby was his first Kentucky Derby win in nine attempts, with a best prior finish of sixth (Mohaymen, 2016).
Post-race, Alvarado told NBC Sports: 'This is a dream come true. Sovereignty gave me everything, and I just guided him home.'
Born in South Dakota, William I. Mott started training at the age of 15. The 71-year-old worked for his father, who was a veterinarian. Mott moved to Kentucky in the 1970s, training for owners like Bert and Diana Firestone.
Hall of Fame inductee (1998, age 45), one of the youngest trainers honored, per the National Museum of Racing.
Over 5,600 wins and $340 million in earnings as of 2025, per Equibase.
Mott told the Courier-Journal post-race: 'Sovereignty showed his heart today. This win means everything after so many close calls.'
Founded in 1992 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, Godolphin has major stables in Dubai, the US, Europe, and Australia
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