A week ago today, May 3, 2025, jockey Junior Alvarado led Sovereignty to victory in the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Just a few days later, trainer Bill Mott revealed Sovereignty wouldn't be running in the 150th Preakness Stakes,

Jockey Junior Alvarado has been fined and suspended for whipping Sovereignty too many times during his Kentucky Derby-winning ride last Saturday at Churchill Downs. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority on Friday ordered Alvarado to pay a $62,000 fine and suspended him for two Kentucky racing days, May 29 and May 30.

Jockey Junior Alvarado has been suspended for two days and fined $62,000 for excessive use of his crop during his ride on Sovereignty at the Kentucky Derby.