The 151 Kentucky Derby was held on May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky, where Sovereignty claimed victory in a thrilling race under challenging conditions.
Despite a muddy track and overcast skies, Sovereignty, a bay colt owned by Godolphin and trained by Bill Mott, emerged victorious.
Ridden by jockey Junior Alvardo, Sovereignty overcame a rough start from post 16, gradually advancing through the field to overtake the favored, Journalism, in the final stretch. He completed the 1¼-mile race in 2:02.31, finishing 1.5 lengths ahead of Journalism.
This win marked the first Kentucky Derby victory for both Godolphin and Alvarado.
Nate Neves, a junior at Tracy High School, expressed excitement about the result of the Derby.
“Sovereignty looked amazing out there,” Neves said. “I was rooting for him the whole time.”
Neves experienced the Derby for the first time this year and has fallen in love with the sport.
The Kentucky Derby was inaugurated in 1875, making it the longest-running sporting event in the United States. Held annually at Churchill Downs, the race features three-year-old thoroughbreds competing over 1¼ miles.
The inaugural race was won by Aristides, ridden by African-American jockey Oliver Lewis.
Monty Kim, a senior at Tracy High School, was surprised about the race’s history.
“I didn’t know that the Kentucky Derby was the longest running sport,” Kim said. “I always thought it was boxing or soccer.”
Kim learned many things about the Kentucky Derby that he didn’t know before and has sparked interest in the sport.
Over the years, the Derby has become equal with Southern traditions, including mint juleps, elaborate hats and the singing of “My Old Kentucky Home.” It’s often referred to as “The Run for the Roses,” a nod to the blanket of roses awarded to the winner.
Jospeh Jaballas, a senior at Tracy High School, was surprised by the clothes that where wore at the event.
“The clothing took me by surprise I didn’t know those types of suits and dresses were the thing to wear at a Derby,” Jaballas sad.
Jaballas can’t wait to see what people wear to next year’s Derby.
The 2024 Kentucky Derby not only added a new champion to its storied history but also highlighted the enduring allure and excitement of this iconic American event.
