LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Sovereignty outdueled 3-1 favorite Journalism down the stretch to win the 151st Kentucky Derby in the slop on Saturday.
Bill Mott attained his inaugural Derby victory in 2019 on a wet track when Country House was declared the winner after Maximum Security, who initially crossed the finish line first, was disqualified following a 22-minute pause.
This time, he knew right away.
Sovereignty snapped an 0 for 13 Derby skid for owner Godolphin, the racing stable of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The sheikh had an impressive weekend with his horse, Good Cheer, taking the Kentucky Oaks on Friday. Additionally, earlier on Saturday, Ruling Court claimed victory in Britain’s 2,000 Guineas.
Sovereignty covered 1 1/4 miles in 2:02.31 and paid $17.96 to win at 7-1 odds.
Journalism encountered issues on the first turn, prompting jockey Umberto Rispoli to steer him to the outside. At the eighth pole, he paired with Sovereignty until Sovereignty and jockey Junior Alvarado surged ahead.
Baeza was third, Final Gambit was fourth and Owen Almighty finished fifth.
Rain made for a soggy day, with the Churchill Downs dirt strip listed as sloppy and horse racing fans protecting their fancy hats and clothing with clear plastic ponchos.
