Louisville, Ky. — Trainer Bill Mott celebrated a triumphant return to the Kentucky Derby on Saturday as Sovereignty crossed the finish line first, capturing the 151st running of the iconic race. The cold, rainy weather did little to dampen the spirits of the Hall of Fame trainer or the 147,406 fans who gathered to witness the event.
Sovereignty, a 3-year-old colt, finished 1½ lengths ahead of the favorite, Journalism. Moments before their race, Mott reflected on the calm that followed the excitement of his 2019 victory, which came with a long and tense wait as stewards deliberated over a disqualification. “I was silent until they hit the wire,” Mott said, recalling the mixture of anticipation and joy.
As the race unfolded, Journalism’s chances appeared hindered at the start when the field bunched up, forcing him toward the rail. Yet, he surged forward during the far turn, challenging Sovereignty, who tracked closely behind. Coming down the stretch, both horses were neck and neck, but Sovereignty found another gear, clinching the win and marking Mott’s second Derby triumph.
The win was particularly gratifying for jockey Junior Alvarado, who celebrated his first victory in the Derby as well as his inaugural win in a Triple Crown race. “He was traveling beautifully. When we hit the five-eighths pole, I knew he was ready,” Alvarado said. “I got him in the clear, and he showed his stuff.”
Trainer Michael McCarthy, who guided Journalism, acknowledged the challenges faced during the race. “He broke well, but got shuffled back early on,” McCarthy said. “He made a good move, but the winner simply had a better day.”
The runners-up also showcased impressive performances. Baeza, finishing in third, demonstrated resilience, navigating tricky conditions to secure a solid finish. “Considering this was his first race on wet ground, I’m proud of how he ran,” said his trainer John Shirreffs.
On a track marked soft by rain, Mott’s success mirrored that of his previous Derby winner, Country House, which also claimed victory on a slippery surface. Meanwhile, Bob Baffert made his return to the Derby scene after a two-year suspension, having faced a legal battle following the disqualification of Medina Spirit in 2021.
Baffert entered the race with two horses, but his entry, Citizen Bull, struggled early and finished in 15th place, unable to find his footing in the muddy conditions. “He just never felt comfortable,” jockey Martin Garcia said, noting the horse’s lack of traction.
Mott, making his 14th Derby appearance at age 71, is known for an impressive array of accomplishments, including four Eclipse Awards. As discussions about the future of Sovereignty ensued, Michael Banahan, representing owner Godolphin, indicated that decisions regarding the Preakness Stakes would depend on Mott’s assessment of the horse’s condition post-race.
The thrill of the Derby came not only from the race but from the community that supports it. “It takes a family and a community to get him ready,” Mott said, emphasizing the collective effort behind Sovereignty’s remarkable journey. The victory resonated beyond the racetrack, uniting fans and fostering a spirit of celebration amidst the challenging weather.