Saratoga Springs – The Rollercoaster Ride of Jockey Junior Alvarado

This spring has been quite a whirlwind for jockey Junior Alvarado, who’s managed to experience some extreme highs and lows in the racing world. From a horse suffering a heart attack to clinching victory at the Kentucky Derby, it’s been a wild ride, perhaps more than any other athlete out there.

After that remarkable win, he dealt with the disappointment of missing the Preakness, which dashed hopes for a Triple Crown. As the Belmont Stakes approach this Saturday at Saratoga, Alvarado’s journey with his horse, Sovereignty, continues to evolve.

The Belmont Stakes will see Sovereignty up against seven competitors, including the Preakness winner Journalism, who’s currently favored at 8-5, just ahead of Sovereignty at 2-1.

Other notable contenders in the stakes are Baeza, who placed third in the Kentucky Derby, as well as Crudo, owned by celebrity chef Bobby Flay, and Rodriguez, trained by Bob Baffert.

Initially, Alvarado questioned whether he could continue riding for Hall of Fame Trainer Bill Mott after a tough experience at Gulfstream Park on March 23, when a horse he rode tragically died from a heart attack, leading to injuries for him.

Despite the setbacks, he made his way back to the Derby, where Sovereignty stunned competitors and marked a significant milestone for the 39-year-old jockey. “This is the biggest achievement I have in my career as a jockey,” Alvarado remarked during a conversation near Sovereignty’s barn at Saratoga. “Personally, it has brought me to many positive places. It was a great experience not just for me, but for my family.”

After his Derby victory, Alvarado enjoyed a special ice cream flavor—Junior Mint, named after his long-time sponsor, Hildbrandt’s in Williston Park.

“We were a team, and it’s incredible to have teammates invested in such moments,” Mott noted, praising Alvarado’s loyalty and effort to ride as he was asked. “He did a great job for us, and that’s something special.”

Living in Garden City with his wife Kelly and their three kids, Alvarado has become somewhat of a local celebrity after his Churchill Downs win. He recounted the surprise he felt returning home to find a “Congratulations” sign and an inflatable horse at his doorstep. “I couldn’t believe people recognized and celebrated my achievement,” he said. “Now, it seems like everywhere I go, someone knows who I am. It’s heartwarming.”

While Alvarado missed the chance for a Triple Crown win, Mott and the Godolphin Racing team opted to skip Preakness to rest Sovereignty for the Belmont. “Winning the Derby was my lifelong dream,” Alvarado reflected. “After that victory, I thought maybe I had a shot at the Triple Crown. But I trust Mott’s judgment; he wanted to prioritize what’s best for the horse.”

Junior Alvarado is following in the footsteps of his father, a Venezuelan jockey. Coming to the U.S. in 2007, he started as “Bug Boy,” an apprentice jockey. His joy in winning the Derby came with a side note—a two-day suspension and a $62,000 fine, as Alvarado later mentioned his appeal was pending.

He stated he used his whip eight times during the race but only struck the horse six times, a discrepancy noted by Mott, who reviewed the video multiple times. “I just don’t think they’re counting properly,” he remarked.

But, as the Belmont approaches, Alvarado feels confident. “He’s a clever horse,” he said of Sovereignty. “He knows how to signal when he’s ready. During the race, he gives me cues, and typically, he’s right there with me.”