LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Soviingty quickly surpassed his 3-1 favorite journalism to win the 151st Kentucky Derby on Saturday, putting trainer Bill Mott into the winner’s circle without delay, snapping 13 skid 0 by owner Godolphin.
Mott won his first derby in 2019 and also ran on a sloppy track when the country house was first promoted after the biggest security first crossed the finish line and was disqualified during a 22-minute delay.
This time, Mott has no doubt his 3-year-old Colt has won a rose wreath.
“This got me there the right way,” Mott said. “I mean, he did well, he’s a great horse, he comes from a great organization and I can’t say enough about the horse and organization that started him and made this happen.”
Godolphin is the race stable of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktum, the ruler of Dubai.
It was quite a weekend for Sheikh. His filly, cheers won the Kentucky Oaks on early Saturday Friday and Saturday, with the Controlling Court (son of 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify) winning the UK’s 2,000 guineas.
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Sovereignty jumped to 1 1/4 mile at 2:02.31 and paid $17.96 to win by 7-1 odds.
Journalism didn’t have the cleanest trip on a 19-horse field, but still fought. He found trouble on the first turn, and jockey Umberto Rispoli shook him outward to make him clear. They were followed by junior Alvarado, sovereignty and jockeys. The two Colts connected to the eighth pole for a thrilling battle before sovereignty was separated.
Baeza, who participated in the race on Friday, finished third after another horse was injured. The final Gambit was fourth, and Owen Andomity finished fifth.
Citizenble, the only entry for six-time Derby Award-winning trainer Bob Buffate, set the pace. Buffert is back for the first time after Medina Spirit crossed the finish line in 2021 and failed post-race drug tests.
The rain became a flooded day, listing sloppy dirt strips in Churchill Downs, with fans protecting flashy hats and clothes with clear plastic ponchos.
Beth Harris
