Sat May 03 23:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Sovereignty Upsets Journalism in Mud-Slogged Kentucky Derby
**LOUISVILLE, KY** – Sovereignty, a 7-1 longshot trained by Bill Mott, stormed to victory in a rain-soaked 2025 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, securing a thrilling upset over the 7-2 favorite, Journalism. The win marks a significant return for Mott and a surprising defeat for the heavily favored Journalism.
The race, run in a challenging 2:02.31 over a muddy track, saw 19 horses compete following the late scratching of two contenders – Rodriguez (trained by the returning Bob Baffert) and Grande, both due to foot injuries. Baeza, a late entry replacing Rodriguez, exceeded expectations with a strong showing.
Baffert, back at Churchill Downs after a three-year suspension, saw mixed results. While Rodriguez was scratched, his other entry, Citizen Bull, led the early stages of the race before finishing out of the money.
The $5 million purse, unchanged from last year, will be distributed among the top five finishers, with Sovereignty’s owner taking home the lion’s share of $3.1 million. The victory provides a compelling narrative for the Triple Crown’s opening leg, showcasing the unpredictable nature of horse racing and the triumph of an underdog in challenging conditions.
First Piper 