• Sovereignty wins the 151st Kentucky Derby, defeating 3-1 favorite Journalism.
• Junior Alvarado secures his first Kentucky Derby victory as the winning jockey.
• The race was held on a rain-soaked track at Churchill Downs.

Sovereignty clinched victory at the 151st Kentucky Derby, finishing the challenging race in 2 minutes and 2 seconds on a rain-drenched track at Churchill Downs. The horse outduelled the 3-1 favorite, Journalism, who finished in second place. This win not only marks a significant achievement for Sovereignty but also gives trainer Bill Mott his second Derby victory, having previously won in 2019 under controversial circumstances.

On a cold and drizzly day, the 147,406 attendees witnessed an exciting contest as both Sovereignty and Journalism battled closely down the stretch. Journalism, ridden by jockey Umberto Rispoli, encountered setbacks early in the race but managed to position himself well towards the finish. Junior Alvarado, the rider of Sovereignty, expressed great joy, noting the significance of this victory as his first in the Kentucky Derby.

The muddy conditions posed challenges for the field of 19 horses, with many experiencing a race of firsts, such as competing in front of a massive crowd or on a wet surface. Rain-soaked tracks can be unpredictable for horses, and the situation added a layer of difficulty for all participants. Mott mentioned the importance of navigating these challenges effectively during the race weekend.

This year’s Derby saw Bob Baffert make a notable return to the event after a three-year ban. His participation adds to the Derby's storied history, with many spectators keenly watching how this would unravel, especially following past controversies tied to the trainer. Despite the inclement weather, the event continued its tradition of showcasing the excitement and unpredictability inherent in horse racing.