LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Sovereignty outdueled 3-1 favorite Journalism down the stretch to win the 151st Kentucky Derby in the slop on Saturday.
In 2019, trainer Bill Mott celebrated his first Derby win on a similarly soggy track. Country House, initially second, was declared the winner following the disqualification of Maximum Security after a prolonged 22-minute review delay.
This time, he knew the result immediately.
During the race, Journalism ran into trouble at the first turn, prompting jockey Umberto Rispoli to maneuver him outside. He engaged in a brief contest with Sovereignty at the eighth pole, but Sovereignty, under the guidance of jockey Junior Alvarado, eventually surged ahead.
The winner covered 1 1/4 miles in 2:02.31.
Baeza was third, Final Gambit was fourth and Owen Almighty finished fifth.
The rainfall turned the day into a wet affair, rendering the Churchill Downs dirt track soggy. Racing fans, eager to protect their extravagant hats and attire, resorted to wearing clear plastic ponchos.
