Sovereignty reigns in 151st Kentucky Derby, outduelling favourite Journalism in the slop
Sovereignty emerged victorious in a thrilling race at the 151st Kentucky Derby, defeating the favored Journalism to claim the coveted title. Trainer Bill Mott celebrated his second Derby win, with Sovereignty delivering a dominant performance on the sloppy track in Louisville, Ky.
Mott’s previous Derby victory in 2019 was marred by controversy when Country House was awarded the win following Maximum Security’s disqualification. This time, there was no dispute as Sovereignty crossed the finish line first, showcasing his talent and resilience.
Owner Godolphin, who had endured a 0 for 13 streak at the Derby, finally found success with Sovereignty. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s racing stable had a stellar weekend, with victories in the Kentucky Oaks and the 2,000 Guineas in Britain.
Sovereignty, ridden by Junior Alvarado, braved the 1 1/4 mile distance in 2:02.31 and paid $17.96 to win at 7-1 odds. Despite facing tough competition from Journalism, Sovereignty proved to be the superior contender, pulling away in the final stretch to secure the win.
The race was not without its challenges, as Journalism encountered trouble early on and had to maneuver through traffic to find his stride. In a thrilling duel at the eighth pole, Sovereignty and Journalism battled it out before Sovereignty surged ahead for the victory.
In a surprising turn of events, Baeza, a late entry into the race, clinched third place, while Citizen Bull, trained by Bob Baffert, set the pace before fading in the stretch. Baffert, returning to the Derby after a suspension, faced tough conditions on the sloppy track.
The rainy weather added an element of unpredictability to the race, with fans donning ponchos to shield themselves from the elements. Despite the challenging conditions, Sovereignty’s triumph was a testament to his talent and determination.
As Sovereignty basked in the glory of his Derby win, trainer Bill Mott and owner Godolphin savored the sweet taste of victory. The 151st Kentucky Derby will be remembered for Sovereignty’s impressive performance in the slop, solidifying his place in racing history.
