Derby Champion Sovereignty Secures Another Victory for Trainer Mott
Horseshoes Triumph in the Muddy 151st Kentucky Derby, prevailing over coveted Journalism
Louisville, Ky. (AP) - The tale of Sovereignty culminated in a thrilling second Kentucky Derby victory for trainer Bill Mott - this time, without controversy.
Mott, a Hall of Fame trainer, captured his second Derby in 2022, with the colt outsprinting 3-1 favorite Journalism in a rain-soaked stretch on Saturday. The triumph marked an end to a 13-year drought for owner Godolphin.
The Duel on the Sloppy Track
The 151st Derby unfolded on a soggy track, with Mott secure in his conviction. "This one got there the right way," the seasoned trainer declared. Sovereignty claimed victory in 2:02.31 over 1 1/4 miles, giving him a payday of $17.96 at 7-1 odds. The triumph was worth $3.1 million from the $5 million purse and also resulted in Sovereignty being the record 20th horse with a name starting with "S" to secure the honors.
Unencumbered Triumph
Compared to Mott's previous win in 2019, things were different, as this time there was no disqualification or subsequent delay that would cast doubt on Sovereignty's victory. Mott's winning streak with Godolphin dates back to that rainy 2019 race, in which Country House was elevated to first place following Maximum Security's post-race disqualification.
Before the Derby's official results were declared, some deliberation took place to confirm second place and scrutinize a crowded start.
An International Success Story
This victory allowed Godolphin, the esteemed racing stable of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to achieve a memorable weekend. On Friday, Sheikh Mohammed's filly Good Cheer pulled off an impressive win in the Kentucky Oaks, just hours before Ruling Court - a son of 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify - clinched the 2,000 Guineas in England.
"I've had quite a long relationship with the Godolphin team and the man behind the Godolphin operation, Sheikh Mohammed," Mott noted. "I'm just honored."
A Blue Silk Sprinting to Victory
Journalism, despite encountering a few bumps along the way, battled valiantly. Rider Umberto Rispoli leaned on the horse, guiding it towards the clear, where they launched their assault on the leaders. Despite a close and exhilarating battle against Sovereignty, Journalism couldn't maintain its momentum, allowing Sovereignty to surge ahead in the final stretch.
Alvarado: A Long-Awaited Dream
For Junior Alvarado, Sovereignty's jockey, this triumph marked the realization of a six-year dream. He and Sovereignty had been reunited after Alvarado missed the colt's last start in the Florida Derby due to an injury. The 38-year-old Venezuelan precisely summarized his emotions as "more than a dream come true."
Fast Climbers and Broken Dreams
Baeza, a late replacement due to another horse's withdrawal on Thursday, delivered a determined effort, remaining just a neck away from the winner in third place. Final Gambit rounded out the top four, while Owen Almighty placed fifth.
Citizen Bull, the solitary contender for six-time Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert, had scorched the early pace but ultimately finished in 15th. D. Wayne Lukas, the 89-year-old four-time Derby winner, saw his colt American Promise cross the line in 15th.
The Decision to Skip the Preakness
Regarding Sovereignty's training regimen, Mott had taken a thoughtful approach by deciding to pass on the Preakness Stakes in pursuit of the colt's long-term well-being. Instead, the aim was set on the Belmont Stakes, thus ending any chance of a Triple Crown for Sovereignty in 2022.
A Lofty Legacy
The win was indeed another feather in Mott's extensive cap, adding to his already impressive career as a trainer in the Thoroughbred racing world. With Mott and Sovereignty working in harmony under Godolphin's superior racing operation, fans can look forward to future successes and more dramatic Derby showdowns in the years to come.
- Despite the excitement of Sovereignty's victory at the Kentucky Derby, Mott and Sovereignty will not participate in the Preakness Stakes, aiming instead for the Belmont Stakes to secure Sovereignty's long-term well-being.
- The success of Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby marked a significant milestone for trainer Bill Mott, adding another feather to his extensive cap, further cementing his impressive career in the Thoroughbred racing world.
- In contrast to the drama and controversy of Sovereignty's previous victory in 2019, this year's triumph was free of disqualifications or subsequent delays, allowing Sovereignity, ridden by Junior Alvarado, to bask in their well-deserved victory unencumbered.
