2025 Kentucky Derby Recap: Big Winners, Standout Moments, and Major Takeaways

Gloomy skies over historic Churchill Downs couldn’t keep Thoroughbred racing’s brightest stars from shining at this year’s Kentucky Derby.

Headlined by the renowned race day’s main event – the 151st running of the $5 million Kentucky Derby – Churchill Downs' scintillating Saturday card produced countless memorable moments both on and off the track.

Get up to speed on the leading storylines, and anything else you may have missed from the most prestigious day in North American horse racing, right here on bet365.

Big Winners

Sovereignty, Bill Mott, Junior Alvarado, and Godolphin

Derby Day’s biggest winner, without a doubt, was the triumphant team of Sovereignty, trainer Bill Mott, jockey Junior Alvarado, and owner Godolpin.

The two figures at the centre of it all, Sovereignty and Alvarado, delivered a sterling effort through sloppy conditions and a choppy start to claim the Run for the Roses in decisive fashion.

The no doubt 1 ½-length score over 3-1 favourite Journalism marked Alvarado’s first Derby win in six tries, and ended an 0-for-13 drought for Godolphin-owned racers.

It was also an especially meaningful result for Mott, who earned his first asterisk-free Derby victory. The Hall of Fame conditioner won his first Derby in 2019 when Country House was elevated to first after presumed winner Maximum Security was disqualified.

Sovereignty, at 7-1, paid $17.96 to win. The Into Mischief colt became the record 20th horse with a name starting with ‘S’ to win the Derby.

Spirit of St. Louis

In a performance that was as much needed as it was spectacular, 5-year-old Spirit of St Louis mounted a furious comeback to claim the $1 million Turf Classic (G1T) for his second Grade 1 title of the year.

The reigning Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1T) champion avenged a tough fourth place in March’s Muniz Memorial (G2T) with a lionhearted tally by three-quarters-of-a-length on Saturday afternoon.

Trained by Chad Brown, Spirit of St Louis improved to 11-3-0 across 16 starts ($1.8 million earned)

Mindframe

In a thriller that would have made M. Night Shyamalan proud, Mindframe emerged from the muck to steal the $1 million Churchill Downs (G1) from 6-1 rival Banishing by a neck.

The spell-binding spectacle was the latest in a string of strong showings by the 3-year-old Todd Pletcher-trained colt, who captured his first career graded title in March’s Gulfstream Park Mile (G2) last time out.

Mindframe’s gritty gallop also offered a slight sigh of relief for Mike Repole of Repole Stable after the latter had to scratch one of his Derby runners (Grande) for the second time in three years. 

Kazushi Kimura and Kopion

The man aboard Kopion for her first career Grade 1 victory – December’s La Brea (G1) – helped guide the 3-year-old filly to her second mark at the highest level in the Derby City Distaff (G1).

No longer a 37-1 shot like she was in the La Brea, Kopion (5-2) looked untouchable in a dominant three-length tally as the board’s second choice.

Still perfect under Kimura’s command (two-for-two), Kopion has won three straight graded stakes.

Standout Moments

‘Poor Weather Doesn’t Stop Fans from Coming Out in Droves’

Steady rainfall didn’t deter over 147,000 fans (reported attendance of 147,406) from flocking to Churchill Downs to witness history. In 2024, under much drier conditions, attendance was reported at 156,710 – the highest total since 2018.

‘You Bet a New Handle Record was Set’

There was no raining on the betting parade at this year’s Kentucky Derby, either, as new handle records were set for the race, day, and week. All-sources handle rocketed to $349 million, a nine percent increase from last year’s previous record of $320.5 million.

‘Simone Biles Gets the Party Started with Riders Up Call’

Eleven-time Olympic medallist Simone Biles became the latest notable name to deliver the ceremonial ‘Riders Up’ call ahead of the main event, joining a list that includes Patrick Mahomes (2023), Jack Harlow (2022), Baker Mayfield (2019), Laila Ali (2018), Jeff Bridges (2017), Sean Payton (2016), Julius Irving (2014), and John Calipari (2012).

‘More Famous Faces Get in on the Festivities’

Derby Day continues to attract some of the most prominent names in sports and entertainment. Alongside Biles, this year’s Derby saw appearances from Selma Blair, Alix Earle and Braxton Berrios, Shaboozey, Joey Fatone, Chris Tucker, Carmelo Anthony, Lamar Jackson, Xavier Legette, James Hetfield, Guy Fieri, Jaxson Dart, and Mark Pope, among others.

Key Takeaways

‘Sovereignty Faces Quick Turnaround for Preakness’

With the first leg of the American Triple Crown checked off, Sovereignty has less than two weeks to prepare for leg two, the Preakness at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.

Early indications are that the colt’s camp will take a few days to ponder his participation in the Preakness. He emerged from the Derby in good condition, albeit with what his trainer believes is a superficial scrape to his right foreleg.

A decision on Sovereignty’s status is expected in the coming days.    

‘Is Journalism Eyeing a Potential Rematch in the Preakness?’

After being outdueled as the Derby’s 3-1 choice, early reports suggest the Preakness is very much on the table for runner-up Journalism.

Much like with Sovereignty, it’s too early to put a definitive stamp on anything for Journalism. However, should the multiple graded stakes winner suit up in Baltimore, he has the chance to spoil his foe’s quest to become the first Triple Crown winner since Justify in 2018.

‘Derby Remains Coveted Event on North American Sporting Calendar’

The 2025 Derby served as yet another reminder that this timeless tradition holds firm as one of North America’s most celebrated sporting events.

Exhilarating efforts, healthy crowds, and record betting numbers are proof that the Derby’s enduring tradition is one racing fans of all experience levels can get behind.

The countdown to Kentucky Derby 2026 is already underway.  

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