Who Won the 2025 Kentucky Derby? Full Recap, Winner, and What’s Next in Racing
The 2025 Kentucky Derby captivated horse racing fans with its thrilling finish and high stakes. As enthusiasts and newcomers alike ask who won the 2025 Kentucky Derby, this article brings you a complete overview of the results, the winning horse’s incredible performance, and what lies ahead for the season.
Who Won the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
The winner of the 2025 Kentucky Derby was Sovereignty, a three-year-old colt who surged past the favorites in the home stretch. Guided by jockey Junior Alvarado and trained by Bill Mott, Sovereignty clinched victory by one and a half lengths at Churchill Downs. His remarkable charge in the final furlongs left top contenders, including Journalism, in his wake.
Sovereignty’s win marked a significant achievement for his team. According to NBC News, "Sovereignty, whose odds closed at 7-1, won the 151st Kentucky Derby by 1 1/2 lengths on Saturday, running by favorite Journalism down the homestretch." This performance instantly put Sovereignty in the spotlight, solidifying his status as one of the elite racehorses of 2025.
Kentucky Derby 2025: Race Highlights
The race began with Journalism as the heavy favorite. However, the weather presented new challenges; steady rain in the days prior left the track slightly wet, but the sun broke through as the horses lined up at the gates. Journalism and Gosger set the early pace, but Sovereignty bided his time mid-pack.
As the field rounded the final turn, Sovereignty exhibited a powerful burst of speed. Fans watched in awe as he overtook Journalism, who battled bravely in the stretch but could not hold off the winner. This dynamic finish brought excitement reminiscent of historic Kentucky Derby moments, as recapped in this detailed NBC update.
What Happened After the Derby?
Sovereignty’s Derby triumph set expectations for a possible Triple Crown bid. However, racing fans were surprised when trainer Bill Mott announced Sovereignty would not compete in the Preakness Stakes, focusing instead on the upcoming Belmont Stakes. This decision shook up the Triple Crown trail. Journalist favorite Journalism seized the opportunity and captured the 2025 Preakness Stakes, as reported by CBS News.
The absence of the Kentucky Derby winner in Baltimore fueled speculation about how Sovereignty would perform in a future rematch against Journalism, likely at the Belmont Stakes. With both horses drawing impressive followings, racing enthusiasts are already anticipating their next showdown.
Key Storylines: Jockeys, Trainers, and Beyond
Junior Alvarado’s ride on Sovereignty drew praise, but also controversy. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority fined Alvarado for excessive use of his riding crop during the Derby. Despite the setback, the victory remained a testament to his remarkable skill and partnership with Bill Mott.
Sovereignty’s connections—the renowned Godolphin stable and Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott—reaped accolades for their strategic preparation. Mott’s decision to skip the Preakness demonstrates the careful consideration demanded by modern big-league horse racing.
What’s Next in US Horse Racing?
As horse racing looks ahead, all eyes are turning toward the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga. The possibility of a rematch between Sovereignty (who won the 2025 Kentucky Derby) and Journalism, the Preakness champion, promises more excitement. For a closer look at how Journalism rebounded, see Preakness 2025 highlights on NBC News and the CBS News recap.
Summary: The Legacy of the 2025 Kentucky Derby Winner
Sovereignty’s victory in the Kentucky Derby will be remembered for its late surge, tactical brilliance, and the dynamic rivalry it set in motion. While he skipped the next leg of the Triple Crown, his name now stands alongside legends who won at Churchill Downs. As the racing season continues, fans will eagerly watch to see if Sovereignty can add another classic to his resume.
Did you enjoy this recap and analysis of who won the 2025 Kentucky Derby? Stay tuned for more updates as the Triple Crown season unfolds!