Introduction
The 151st Kentucky Derby, held on May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, witnessed a remarkable victory by Sovereignty. Trained by Bill Mott and ridden by jockey Junior Alvarado, Sovereignty clinched the win under challenging muddy conditions, completing the 1¼-mile race in 2:02.31.
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Race Overview
Sovereignty entered the race with 7-1 odds, facing stiff competition from the 3-1 favorite, Journalism. Despite the wet and sloppy track, Sovereignty showcased exceptional stamina and speed, pulling ahead in the final stretch to secure victory.
Top Finishers
- 1st Place: Sovereignty
- 2nd Place: Journalism
- 3rd Place: Baeza
- 4th Place: Final Gambit
- 5th Place: Owen Almighty
Payouts
For bettors, the race yielded the following payouts:
- $2 Win (Sovereignty): $17.96
- $2 Exacta (Sovereignty-Journalism): $48.32
- $0.50 Trifecta (Sovereignty-Journalism-Baeza): $115.56
- $1 Superfecta (Sovereignty-Journalism-Baeza-Final Gambit): $1,682.27
Jockey and Trainer Highlights
Junior Alvarado, hailing from Venezuela, celebrated his first Kentucky Derby win, marking a significant milestone in his career . Trainer Bill Mott secured his second Derby victory, adding to his 2019 win with Country House.
Owner’s Achievement
The victory was also monumental for Godolphin, the global thoroughbred breeding and racing operation owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This win marked Godolphin’s first Kentucky Derby triumph after 13 attempts .
Race Conditions and Attendance
The Derby was run under sloppy conditions due to significant rainfall, challenging both horses and jockeys. Despite the weather, the event attracted a crowd of over 147,000 spectators.
Who Won the Kentucky Derby 2025?
Sovereignty emerged victorious in the 151st Kentucky Derby, held on May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs. Trained by Bill Mott and ridden by jockey Junior Alvarado, Sovereignty outpaced the 3-1 favorite, Journalism, to clinch the title. This win marked Sovereignty’s first Kentucky Derby triumph, completing the 1¼-mile race in 2:02.31 under challenging muddy conditions.
Kentucky Derby Results
The 2025 Kentucky Derby concluded with Sovereignty taking first place, followed by Journalism in second, Baeza in third, Final Gambit in fourth, and Owen Almighty rounding out the top five. The race featured a competitive field, with several horses delivering impressive performances despite the sloppy track conditions.
Kentucky Derby 2025
The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby in 2025 was a memorable event, showcasing top-tier three-year-old thoroughbreds competing for a $5 million purse. Held at the historic Churchill Downs, the race attracted over 147,000 spectators, all eager to witness the “Run for the Roses.”
What Time is the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby traditionally starts in the early evening, with the 2025 race commencing at 6:57 PM Eastern Time. This timing allows for optimal viewership across various time zones and accommodates the day’s full schedule of races and events.
Kentucky Derby Time
In 2025, the Kentucky Derby was scheduled for 6:57 PM ET, maintaining its customary early evening slot. This timing is designed to maximize national television viewership and accommodate the day’s preceding races and festivities.
Derby
The term “Derby” refers to a prestigious horse race, with the Kentucky Derby being the most renowned in the United States. Established in 1875, the Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown and is celebrated for its rich traditions, including the garland of roses awarded to the winner.
Derby Horses
The 2025 Kentucky Derby featured a field of elite three-year-old thoroughbreds, including Sovereignty, Journalism, Baeza, Final Gambit, and Owen Almighty. Each horse earned its spot through a series of qualifying races, showcasing their speed, stamina, and racing prowess.
Kentucky Derby Odds
Pre-race odds for the 2025 Kentucky Derby positioned Journalism as the 3-1 favorite, with Sovereignty at 7-1. These odds reflected the betting public’s confidence in each horse’s chances, influencing wagering strategies leading up to the race.
Kentucky Derby 2025 Winner
Sovereignty claimed the title of Kentucky Derby 2025 winner, delivering a stellar performance under jockey Junior Alvarado. The victory was a significant achievement for trainer Bill Mott and the Godolphin stable, marking their first Derby win.
Kentucky Derby 2025 Results
The final standings for the 2025 Kentucky Derby were: Sovereignty in first place, Journalism second, Baeza third, Final Gambit fourth, and Owen Almighty fifth. These results were a testament to the competitive nature of the race and the skill of the participating horses and their teams.
Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs, located in Louisville, Kentucky, is the iconic venue for the Kentucky Derby. Established in 1875, it has been the home of the Derby since its inception, offering a historic backdrop for this premier horse racing event.
What Channel is the Kentucky Derby On
In 2025, the Kentucky Derby was broadcast live on NBC, providing comprehensive coverage of the event, including pre-race analysis, the main race, and post-race interviews. NBC’s coverage ensures fans nationwide can experience the excitement of the Derby.
Kentucky Derby Horses 2025
The 2025 Kentucky Derby featured a diverse lineup of horses, each bringing unique strengths to the race. Notable contenders included Sovereignty, Journalism, Baeza, Final Gambit, and Owen Almighty, all of whom demonstrated exceptional performance leading up to the Derby.
2025 Kentucky Derby
The 2025 Kentucky Derby, the 151st iteration of the event, was held at Churchill Downs and featured a field of top-tier three-year-old thoroughbreds competing for a $5 million purse. The race concluded with Sovereignty taking the win under challenging track conditions.
Churchill Downs Kentucky Derby Horses
Churchill Downs, the historic venue for the Kentucky Derby, hosted a competitive field of horses in 2025, including Sovereignty, Journalism, and Baeza. These horses competed on the renowned dirt track, aiming for a place in racing history.
Derby Day 2025
Derby Day 2025 was a celebration of tradition, fashion, and high-stakes racing. Attendees at Churchill Downs enjoyed a full day of races, culminating in the Kentucky Derby, where Sovereignty claimed victory amidst a festive atmosphere.
Triple Crown Winners
The Triple Crown is awarded to a horse that wins the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes in the same year. As of 2025, only 13 horses have achieved this feat, with the last being Justify in 2018. Sovereignty’s Derby win positions him as a contender for this prestigious title.
TwinSpires
TwinSpires is the official online wagering platform for Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby. It offers fans the opportunity to place bets on races, including the Derby, and provides resources for handicapping and race analysis.
