Sovereignty Captures 2025 Kentucky Derby
Sovereignty triumphed in a rain-soaked 2025 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, overcoming tough conditions and a competitive field.
- HISA ruled Junior Alvarado used his crop eight times – two over the limit – during his Kentucky Derby ride on Sovereignty
- Alvarado’s fine and suspension was doubled because it was his second violation during the past 180 days
Jockey Junior Alvarado has been fined $62,000 and suspended two days as the result of excessive crop use during his winning ride on Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby on May 3 at Churchill Downs.
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority issued its ruling Friday after Alvarado met Thursday with stewards from Churchill Downs.
Sean Collins of Bloodhorse.com reported hours after the Kentucky Derby that Alvarado had used his riding crop on Sovereignty at least seven times during the race. HISA ruled Alvarado used it eight times.
Under HISA rules, jockeys may use their crops no more than six times. The penalty is 10% of the jockey’s earnings from the race – which would be $31,000 for the Kentucky Derby – and a one-day suspension.
HISA’s ruling stated the fine and suspension was doubled because it was Alvarado’s second violation within 180 days. The suspension is to be served May 29-30.
Alvarado has 10 days to appeal the HISA ruling.
Alvarado addressed the possibility of a fine on this week’s C.L. Brown Show, hosted by columnist C.L. Brown of the Louisville Courier Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network.
“I forgot it was a rule,”” Alvarado said. “I was seeing my dream coming true right in front of me. The whip rule was the last thing I had in my mind. I have to pay the consequences, I guess.
“I’ve been trained to think, ‘What could I have done different? If I had to do it again, how could I make sure I don’t go over?’ I don’t see how. You’re about to win the biggest race in the world. I can’t think about how many (times) I’m hitting the horse. I’m just riding.”
Alvarado said Sovereignty needed his encouragement down the stretch.
“I have to push,” Alvarado said. “I’m riding a horse who’s a heavy horse. He’ll give you what he’s got, but you have to get to the bottom. He’s not going to give you anything for free. You have to make him do it.”
Sovereignty will not run in the Preakness on May 17 and is expected to return for the final leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont on June 7 at Saratoga.
Alvarado, 38, is a native of Venezuela and got his first Kentucky Derby victory in six tries with Sovereignty’s triumph.
Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; jfrakes@courier-journal.com. Follow on X @KentuckyDerbyCJ.
