The Sovereignty triumphed in the 151st Kentucky Derby, securing an exciting victory in the first leg of the 2025 Triple Crown. Journalism took third place, followed closely by Baeza in fourth.
Initially starting the week with 5-1 odds, Sovereignty transitioned to 9-1 by the time the race began. Citizen Bull had an early lead until the final turn out of Gate 1. In the end, it boiled down to an intense showdown between Sovereignty and Journalism, with Sovereignty claiming the win.
Junior Alvarado rode Sovereignty, while Bill Mott served as the respected trainer.
Conditions at Churchill Downs were challenging due to muddy tracks, a result of overnight rain in Louisville that continued throughout race day. This event was particularly competitive, being the longest race any of the 19 horses had faced. It’s noteworthy that tracks at the Kentucky Derby are often slower compared to East Coast races, which typically involve 9-10 horses, while West Coast races typically have 5-6.
Journalism was a favorite coming into the race with 7-2 odds, having secured four consecutive wins before this Derby. Other favorites included Sandman at 5-1, Luxor Café at 8-1, Sovereignty at 9-1, and American Promise at 11-1.
Citizen Bull, trained by the well-known figure Bob Baffert, got off to a strong start. Baffert returned to the Kentucky Derby this year after a three-year suspension from Churchill Downs due to issues with banned substances, including a controversy involving the 2021 Kentucky Derby winner, Medina Spirit. Initially, Baffert aimed to have two horses in the race, but Rodriguez was scratched, allowing Baeza to participate.
Kentucky Derby Winners and Payouts 2025
1st: 18 Sovereignty $17.96 $7.50 $5.58
2nd: 8 Journalism $4.94 $3.70
3rd: 21 Baeza $8.38
$2.00 Exacta 18-8 $48.32
$0.50 TRIFECTA 18-8-21 $115.56
$1.00 Superfecta 18-8-21-3 $1,682.27
$1.00 SuperHighFive 18-8-21-3-20 $38,405.96
$1.00 Double 10-18 $26.96
$0.50 Pick 3 2-10-18 $64.16
$0.50 Picks 4 of 4 7,8,16,17,18-2-5,10,11-18 $236.39
$0.50 Picks 5 of 5 7-7,8,16,17,18-2-5,10,11-18 $1,504.44
$0.20 Picks 6 of 6 3,4,7-7-7,8,16,17,18-2-5,10,11-18 $2,062.47
Kentucky Derby Prize Wallet 2025
This year’s prize purse mirrors that of 2024, rewarding the top five finishers. Here’s the payment breakdown:
- First: $3.1 million
- Second: $1 million
- Third: $500,000
- Fourth: $250,000
- Fifth: $150,000
The winning jockey typically receives 10% of the total purse, while those finishing second and third usually earn about 5% each.
