Sovereignty delivers historic first Kentucky Derby victory for Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin

In a race decades in the making, Godolphin — the global racing powerhouse founded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai — claimed its long-awaited first-ever Kentucky Derby (Group 1) crown, with homebred colt Sovereignty at Churchill Downs on Saturday.

Thirteen years of near-misses came to a powerful end as the Dubai-based racing empire which was created in 1992, finally conquered America’s most revered race. Ridden with supreme patience and precision by jockey Junior Alvarado, the Godolphin homebred colt surged down the stretch of the rain-soaked dirt track to seize victory in 2:02.31 over 1¼ miles.

The triumph marked a defining milestone for Sheikh Mohammed,  whose vision has transformed Godolphin into a global racing powerhouse. While the stable has dominated on nearly every international stage, the Kentucky Derby had remained frustratingly out of reach — until now.

Trainer Bill Mott, who famously won the inaugural Dubai World Cup in 1996 with the legendary Cigar, was finally able to celebrate a Kentucky Derby win that needed no stewards’ review. His only prior Derby title, in 2019, came via disqualification of the winner Maximum Security.

“He made up a lot of ground in a hurry,” said veteran Mott. "This one got here the right way. I mean, he’s done well, he’s a great horse.

“He comes to us from a great organization (Godolphin) and I can’t say enough about the horse and the organization that started him out and did everything to make this happen.”

“He made up a lot of ground in a hurry,” Mott added. “This one got here the right way. He’s a great horse, and he comes from a great organisation.”

Alvarado, riding in only his second Derby, was overwhelmed in the aftermath. “It’s a moment you dream of,” he said, holding back emotion. “I’m just grateful to be part of this story.”

Journalism, the race favourite, challenged late but couldn't match Sovereignty's final kick. Baeza rallied for third, with Final Gambit and Owen Almighty rounding out the top five.

Glorious Triple Triumphs

Sovereignty’s win wasn’t the only celebration for Godolphin this weekend. Just a day earlier, the royal blue silks flew high in the Kentucky Oaks, where unbeaten filly Good Cheer clinched victory. And across the Atlantic at Newmarket racecourse in England, the Charlie Appleby-trained Ruler’s Court claimed the prestigious 2,000 Guineas — completing a historic international treble.

The Derby win also added prestige to leading sire Into Mischief, further establishing his place in the sport’s modern bloodlines.

With more than $5.3 million in earnings this year alone — triple that of their nearest rivals — Godolphin continues to dominate North American racing.

As the rain eased at Churchill Downs Sovereignty was led into the winner’s circle draped in the iconic garland of roses — not just a champion, but a symbol of Sheikh Mohammed’s vision, resilience and the enduring pursuit of greatness.

At A Glance Kentucky Derby 2025:

1st Sovereignty idden by Junior Alvarado

2nd Journalism Umberto Rispoli

3rd Baeza Flavien Prat 

Track Condition: Sloppy (wet dirt)

Distance: 1¼ miles (2,000 meters)

Final Time: 2:02.31

Winning Margin: 1½ lengths

Winning Jockey: Junior Alvarado

Winning Trainer: Bill Mott

Winning Owner/Breeder: Godolphin (Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum)