Kentucky Derby 2025 highlights: Sovereignty wins with jockey Junior Alvarado

Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Bill Mott reacts to Sovereignty’s win in the Run for the Roses.

Alvarado spoke with NBC immediately after the race. Here's what he had to say.

"It means the world to me. My family is here. I thought I had a great chance. Mr. Mott was so confident all week. If I had to pick someone, it was Mr. Mott. We've been a team for a while. It's more than a dream come true to have done it with him and the Godolphin people who have been very helpful throughout my career too."

Junior Alvarado didn't just win one of the most coveted horse races in the world, he's also bringing home $3.1 million.

According to the Kentucky Derby, a total of $5 million was doled out among winners today, with the winner of the big race taking the largest chunk by far.

Thanks to Sovereignty, jockey Junior Alvarado, just had his first win.

"It means the world to me. My family's here. I thought I had a great chance," Alvarado said, adding that he was confident all day.

His father was also a jockey, making this a generational sport.

"I'm pretty sure they're way over the moon right now," Alvarado said of his parents. He then thanked his parents and told them he loves them in Spanish.

Alvarado spoke of Sovereignty's loyalty, noting how the horse stuck by him through a recent injury, even though he couldn't ride for weeks.

Sovereignty won the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Sovereignty entered with 9-1 odds. He got it done on a very muddy track, as rain poured down for most of the day.

The track is muddy but there is no rain at Churchill Downs as the horses are set to race.

There are 147,406 people at Churchill Downs today, according to the NBC broadcast. That is short of the record set in 2015.

Steve Kornacki dives into the history of how favorites have performed in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, sharing that favorites won the race every year from 2013 until 2018 but have not been victorious since then.

Simone Biles led the Rider's Up today, and blew a kiss as she introduced the 19 jockeys who are now on their way to the start line.

NBC Sports' veteran broadcaster, who had been on the air for much of the pre-race analysis, had to step away after suffering a nut allergy reaction. Per the broadcast, he was feeling "under the weather."

They did, however, announce Journalism as his pick to win the Kentucky Derby.

From 1875-1929, the Kentucky Derby winner would stand in a circled area on the racetrack drawn in chalk dust. It began to be known as the “winner’s circle.”

From 1930-1937, organizers moved the trophy presentation from the track to an area adjoining the clubhouse. An electric odds board and presentation stands were added in 1938 and every winning Kentucky Derby horse since then has been led to the winner’s circle.

The winner’s circle is usually only reserved for winners of the Derby, but it has hosted a limited number of weddings and even has ashes of prominent horse racing and breeding industry workers spread on the ground.

I examine how Lonnie Briley went from scratching out a living as a lesser known trainer to getting Coal Battle to the Kentucky Derby.

Sandman has 6-1 odds to win today’s Kentucky Derby — second best to favorite Journalism — and has been a popular name among bettors hoping to catch some slightly longer odds.

That’s not the only reason people are wagering on the horse, however.

“I’m a big Yankees fan, so I grew up with Mariano Rivera,” Tom Flynn, attending his 15th Derby, explained after saying his favorite to win was Sandman. “So then I became a Metallica fan, and so that’s how that all comes together.”

Rivera was the New York Yankees closer for 17 seasons, and the song he would take the mound to was Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.”

Flavien Prat, who will ride Baeza in the Derby, switched on Thursday to ride the racehorse. He said the pair got along well during their ride this morning.

Prat is a previous Derby winner — he wasn't the first to cross the finish line in 2019, but a disqualified horse earned him the victory.

"I'll do my best to give him a good ride and cross the line first today," Prat told NBC.

A host of celebrities and athletes shared their pics with NBC News.

NBC Sports’ Al Berntein says he's "expecting a fairly hot pace in the race."

"Among the horses who could be fighting for the lead are Citizen Bull, East Avenue, American Promise, Neoequos and Owen Almighty. These are all quality horses from top trainers who have proven their ability to be competitive in tough races while running on the front end. Also, the huge field size can often produce a longshot who tries to “steal” the race on the front end. In any case, it is reasonable to expect a fast pace."

Bob Baffert speaks with Mike Tirico about his 2021 banned substance violation, whether and how his team’s operations have changed, returning to the Kentucky Derby, his legacy and more.

Rodriguez and Grande were both scratched, so here's the updated post positions.

One of the perks of buying a non-infield ticket at the Derby is basically everything is free once you’re inside Churchill Downs — including alcohol.

Unsurprisingly, this is a hit with attendees.

“I can't think of any other sporting event in the world that I've ever went to that once you get in, everything's free, including alcohol,” Johnnie Rominger, 48, said. Rominger is attending his second Derby today.

“I love that when you walk in, you are greeted with drinks. I mean, it just makes it so much more fun,” Kimberly Booth, 54 and at her first Derby, said.

Let me dive into the history of the Kentucky Derby’s speedy pace, analyzing why the iconic race at Churchill Downs was much more “orderly” from 2014 until 2021 but has “melted down” over the past three years.

Ever wonder what drinks cost at the Kentucky Derby?

Here's the list.

Final Gambit and Flying Mohawk enter the Derby running on the dirt for the first time. To make matters harder, the track at Churchill Downs is sloppy and they will feel kickback from the mud for the first time. For many at the betting window, this is reason enough to leave these horses off their wager tickets.

Japan is a relative newcomer to the international racing scene, and for a while, simply getting a horse into the Kentucky Derby field was considered a feat. But in the last few years, the Japanese program has blossomed, with Japan-based horses taking down major races in the Middle East and here in the U.S. 

Last year, Forever Young came within inches of becoming the first Japanese horse to win the Kentucky Derby, losing out in a three-way photo finish for the ages.

This year, there are two Japanese runners, Admire Daytona and Luxor Cafe, who has bested Admire Daytona twice and seems the stronger of the two. But no one quite knows what to make of Luxor Cafe, who has done all of his racing in Japan, never facing any American horses. Video from his wins looks very impressive, but just how good were the horses he was beating? And will that form translate to the U.S.?

Simone Biles is in Louisville for the Derby in head-to-toe lavender, matching with husband Jonathan Owens, who she said led the fashion charge today.

Biles said he picked out his outfit first, then she followed suit, declaring, "let's match!"

Lavender must be lucky for Owens, who is also leading the betting charge of the two at Churchill Downs. He told NBC News he's gone three-for-three in bets today; He sat out the fourth race, but advised someone else on which horse to bet. That horse won.

The best-known trainer in horse racing, 72-year-old Bob Baffert, is making his return to Churchill Downs after a three-year ban. Officially, Baffert has won the race six times (a seventh winner, Medina Spirit, was later disqualified after the discovery of a medication violation, which triggered his suspension) and has the backing of some of the sport’s most ambitious and deep-pocketed owners. He typically boasts the deepest roster of Kentucky Derby prospects, though this year’s crop has underwhelmed a bit — at least so far.

Baffert’s entry, Citizen Bull, might end up a decent price. He likes to be in front and could therefore be compromised if that hot pace develops. (Note: Baffert’s other entry, Rodriguez, was scratched late Thursday. He is also a speed horse, so his exit could boost Citizen Bull.)

Citizen Bull has the added challenge of drawing the dreaded No. 1 post, jammed inside by the rail. The last horse to win from that spot was Ferdinand back in 1986. But dismiss Baffert’s duo at your own peril. Better than anyone, he knows how to win this race, even when the pace scenario looks unfavorable — something he once did at odds of 21-1 with War Emblem back in 2002. 

Those who were looking to Derby on a budget could elect for infield tickets. The price doesn't include food, but it does appear to include good energy.

The crowd skews younger giving more of a festival vibe than a horse race, featuring lawn chairs and a jumbotron to watch the races. Independent food trucks — and even a Zyn hut — are peppered throughout.

Jami Ursulich, from Utah, and Aja Thomas, from California, are first timers at the Derby and said the infield feels like a frat party. They acknowledged that the field will probably get muddy from the rain as everyone converges for the big race at the end of the day, "but it's fun!"

The Kentucky Derby has always been on Ursulich's and Thomas' travel list, and they chose infield tickets because it was more affordable compared to any other concert or festival where you have to pay for your food and beverage, they said.

A group of seniors from Bellarmine University in Louisville said they opted for the infield because they can't afford the other seats, and because they love it.

"It's like a festival. And it’s more fun than the fancy side," the students said. As for their bets? "They're not going well…"

Carmelo Anthony chats with Ahmed Fareed about his excitement to be a part of NBC Sports’ NBA coverage, his inclusion in the 2025 Hall of Fame class, the NBA playoffs and more.

Many fascinators are still covered up as the rain continues to come down here at Churchill Downs. There are a few (big) exceptions.

To celebrate the Derby, Craig Melvin, Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer sample two cocktails that you can sip on while watching the race: a Woodford Reserve Bourbon Mint Julep and a Woodford Reserve Spire.

For seemingly the first time all day, the rain has let up for a significant period of time.

It’s still very gray and cloudy at Churchill Downs, with a chilly breeze in the air as temps drop toward the high 50s. There is still a chance of more rain with a little under two hours to go until post time, but the worst appears to have passed.

$600,000 is on the line in the Twin Spires Turf Sprint at Churchill Downs ahead of the 151st Kentucky Derby. Here's the full race.

There are no sure things on the Churchill Downs racetrack — and this year, there are few sure things around the track as well.

Uncertainty over the economy due to President Donald Trump’s oscillating tariff policies looms large over America’s longest running sporting event and the most exciting two minutes in sports — the Kentucky Derby.

The track itself has put some projects on hold.

Click here to read the full article

There are worse ways to pick a winner...

"TODAY" style correspondent Zanna Roberts Rassi shares her Kentucky Derby fashion picks to go the distance on race day.

Somewhat surprising odds update for the Kentucky Derby favorite Journalism who has drifted to 4-1 in the win pool as of this post. Journalism was a 3-1 favorite on the morning line and expected to garner broad support today but the track conditions have apparently convinced people otherwise.

The betting favorite in the Kentucky Derby is Journalism, a horse that is 4-0-1 in five starts. How did it get its name?

According to the Louisville Courier-Journal, which spoke with co-owner Aron Wellman last week, it stems from Wellman's time as an editor for the Beverly Hills (Calif.) High School newspaper.

“I’ve often been accused of being a disgruntled sportswriter because of all the writing I do for Eclipse for our partners and our horse updates and weekly newsletter,” Wellman said. “So journalism is something that I value very much, and I appreciate responsible and diligent journalists.”

I caught up with American Promise trainer D. Wayne Lukas ahead of the Kentucky Derby. We discuss Lukas’ love for competition, what drives him at 89 years old and the respect he commands in the sport.

Dressed in head to toe pastel purple, Biles and Owens arrived at the Derby red carpet ready for the races.

Biles is giving the "Riders Up" command during this year's Run for the Roses.

A very busy crew is constantly working to clean up the mess 1,400 horses leave behind as Churchill Downs prepares for the Kentucky Derby. WAVE’s Logan Perrone reports.

Potter, set to perform the national anthem at the Derby, told NBC Sports she believes Mother Nature speaks to her through music, so she's loving the damp skies in Louisville.

It's her first time at the Derby, Potter said, although she's been to plenty of Kentucky Derby-themed parties.

She says friends from Kentucky have told her, "You just don't know what it is until you get there and see it for yourself."

"And now I totally get it," she said.

No. 18 post position with 5-1 odds.

Jockey: Manuel Franco | Trainer: William I. Mott

Career Highlight: Won the 2025 Fountain of Youth

Fun Fact: Mott was the trainer of Resilience who finished sixth in the 2024 Kentucky Derby.

2008 World Series champion and Flying Mohawk owner Jayson Werth hoped for slop at the Kentucky Derby. He got his wish, and he’s confident in his horse — but that doesn’t erase his nerves.

Jamie Powell from Floyds Knobs, Ind., and Tarra Puckett from Lexington Ky., enjoy a strawberry and banana kebab and a chocolate covered cheesecake.

It’s Tarras first time and the Derby. “I just love all of it! The food the fashion. It’s so much fun, even in this weather."

With Rodriguez scratching from the race, Baeza will now join the field from the far outside post. Don’t let his late entry fool you: This horse is a major contender.

He ran against favorite Journalism in the Santa Anita Derby and put up a whale of a fight, losing by less than a length and posting an impressive 100 speed rating. Like Journalism, he figures to sit off the pace and potentially be in position to capitalize if the horses up front burn out. 

A very clear trend is emerging: the rail on the dirt track has a clear bias (i.e., the horses are having a much easier time on the inside of the track).

This makes the potential for a wire-to-wire run by Citizen Bull entirely possible but generally, expecting the horse on the lead inside at the final turn will be your champ. Anyone trying to run down the lead from the mid-track is in deep trouble.

On paper, there’s tons of early speed in this year’s Kentucky Derby — horses that want (or need) to be on the lead or just off of it to run their best. The problem with lots of speed is that these horses tend to push each other to go too fast, too soon, burning them all out and opening the door for a fresh-legged rival to mow them down in the stretch.

Four of the five inside horses in this year’s race have the potential to flash early speed (Citizen Bull, Neoequos, American Promise and Admire Daytona). So do East Avenue and Owen Almighty, who will start farther out. That’s the recipe for a pace meltdown, and maybe even for someone to come from the clouds to win at a big price. Sandman and Sovereignty are the most highly touted deep closers in the field; Tiztastic, Burnham Square and Chunk of Gold will also be coming from far back and would all blow up the tote board.

Miss USA, Alma Cooper, is attending her first derby.

“My sister grew up riding horses, so I love horses. So I’m really excited to see the horses go really fast, I’m so used to them going slowly in parades,” she said.

She chose a Sherri Hill dress for the occasion and a pair of her original pageant shoes from her first interview to be Miss Michigan.

“I’m bringing the sunshine in this yellow dress.”

Her fascinator was from the Hat Doctor. “If I had to make this hat, it would take me three years.”

As for the race, she isn't normally interested in betting but will place a bet later but won’t tell anyone on who.

Kentucky Derby bugler Steve Buttleman gives a behind-the-scenes look at the dream job he’s held for the past 30 years.

The horses based on their post position:

1. Citizen Bull (15-1)
2. Neoequos (51-1)
3. Final Gambit (16-1)
4. Rodriguez (SCRATCHED)

Carrie and Jeff Ketterman are Louisville locals. This is Carrie’s 29th Derby.

“I come for the fashion. I love the entire lead-up to derby week. There’s nothing like the magic of the first Saturday in May!" she told NBC News.

As for the horses, “I love a grey.”

The first horse she bet on in 1997 was called Silver Charm. This year, she’s betting on Sandman. 

NBC Sports' Al Bernstein breaks down why you should be a bit wary in betting the favorite.

"For example, this will be his first race outside of California, and we don’t know how shipping cross-country will affect him. Also, the average field size in his five races has been just six horses, which is a far cry from 20. His stalking style has worked to his advantage in more predictable races with small field sizes. Now, instead of facing one or two horses who are fighting for the lead in the early going (as he has in his earlier races), he could face five or six horses who want to run on the front end in the Kentucky Derby.

"When several horses are running on the front end, stalkers who have never been in a field this big can get keyed up and caught in the pace battle. No matter how fast a horse is, a front-running duel can leave them running on empty in the stretch at the Derby. None of this says that Journalism will get beat, but he will have obstacles in this task that he has never faced before."

NBC’s Steve Kornacki breaks down everything you need to know ahead of the Kentucky Derby — from top contenders to betting odds. He’s joined at Churchill Downs by TODAY’s Dylan Dreyer and NBC Sports’ Mike Tirico to discuss all the action leading up to race day.

The winner of today's Kentucky Derby will earn $3.1 million from a purse of $5 million divided among the top five finishers.

For owners of successful race horses, stud fees are far more lucrative than track winnings. Stud fees for top race horses can top $300,000, though most are much lower, according to Bank of America's Steven Mason. Most are bred to 30 or 40 mares per season, he said.

There is a robust demand for high-end race horses even though the sport has declined in popularity. Mason noted demand for yearlings, or young horses, is especially strong, which he credits to the increasing popularity of horse racing syndicates. Auction house Keeneland’s September yearling sale generated a record $428 million last year. The average selling price per horse was $150,548 up 5.2% year over year, according to Keeneland.

The finest thoroughbreds, such as those at Fasig-Tipton’s annual November sale, can fetch seven figures at auction.

Read the full article here

Here's how that position stacks up historically: 9 wins, 5 seconds, 5 thirds (2023)

Click here to watch the full video of the draw

The gold trophy awarded to the owner of the Kentucky Derby’s winning horse makes its entrance at Churchill Downs.

Lonnie Briley was never supposed to be here. The folksy 72-year-old Louisianan has been training horses since 1991 and has had success, but mostly with cheap horses running for small prizes in racing’s backwaters. Until now. 

His horse, Coal Battle, may lack the regal breeding of his foes in this race, but that only makes what he’s achieved that much more impressive: an improbable four-race win streak over the fall and winter, from a small stakes at lowly Delta Downs to a triumph in the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at venerable Oaklawn Park and a berth in the Kentucky Derby. It’s made him — by far — the most accomplished horse Briley has ever conditioned. 

Almost 15% of all of the purse money Briley’s horses have ever won, in fact, is from Coal Battle over the past few months. Before this, Briley had never come remotely close to the Kentucky Derby, and just by getting here he’s defied the odds. Coal Battle’s odds are long in this race (his speed figures are on the light side), but even his rival trainers will probably be smiling if he can pull this one off.

It’s Kentucky Derby day! Dylan Dreyer joins from Churchill Downs to talk about how rainy weather may impact the race, which horse is favored to win and more. Then, Joshua Weissman, the official at-home chef at the Kentucky Derby, shares some recipes that will be served at the race including a bourbon challah French toast casserole, hot honey pork belly and more.

His name is Journalism and he towers above the field in at least one notable metric: speed figures. For every race that’s run across the country, each horse is assigned a Beyer speed rating, based on an algorithm designed to flatten out variances between different race lengths and track conditions. The higher the number, the better the horse. 

In one of the two key Kentucky Derby prep races he won in Southern California, Journalism posted a Beyer of 108, tops of anyone in this field. Having the best Beyer doesn’t automatically translate to victory, but notably in last year’s running, the top four finishers were all horses who came in with among the five highest Beyers in the field. 

The knock on Journalism? He put up those numbers against tiny fields — just four rivals in each of those races. In the Kentucky Derby, he’ll be facing 19 foes and vastly more traffic than he’s ever had to contend with.