Kentucky Derby Results 2025 Finishing Order, Replay Video and Payouts

The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby featured an electric finish as Sovereignty bested race favorite Journalism to earn a trip to the winner's circle at Churchill Downs.

The victory earned trainer Bill Mott his second Kentucky Derby victory, the first in which his horse crossed the finish line first. He had previously won in 2019 with Country House, but that was via disqualification.

Jockey Junior Alvarado earned his first win in the prestigious race, just two days after suffering an injury when he was thrown from his horse during the ninth race at Churchill Downs. A hospital stint would not stop him from rectifying a 0-5 record in the Kentucky Derby, though, and he graciously thanked Mott for the win.

"Mr. Mott, I was so confident the whole week. If I had to thank someone, it’s Mr. Mott. We’ve been a team for a while," he said after his career-defining win.

Where did the rest of the field finish and what payouts awaited those who put money on the top three?

Finishing Order

1. Sovereignty
2. Journalism - 1.5 lengths back
3. Baeza - 1.75 lengths back
4. Final Gambit - 4.25 lengths back
5. Owen Almighty - 9 lengths back
6. Burnham Square - 10.5 lengths back
7. Sandman - 12.5 lengths back
8. East Avenue - 13.25 lengths back
9. Chunk of Gold - 15.75 lengths back
10. Tiztastic - 16.5 lengths back
11. Coal Battle - 17 lengths back
12. Luxor Cafe - 18.75 lengths back
13. Neoequos - 27 lengths back
14. Publisher - 32.25 lengths back
15. Citizen Bull - 33.5 lengths back
16. American Promise - 38.5 lengths back
17. Render Judgment - 39.34 lengths back
18. Flying Mohawk - 42.25 lengths back
19. Admire Daytona - 54.75 lengths back

Payouts Based on $2 Bet

* Sovereignty (7-1): $17.96 win, $7.50 place, $5.58 show

* Journalism (3-1): $4.94 place, $3.70 show

* Baeza (13-1): $8.38 show

Per NBC Sports broadcast.

The Best Horse Won

Journalism was as-advertised Saturday, a runner with great stamina who is tactical in his approach. He did not sprint out of the gate, instead letting the race come to him as he made his final push down the front stretch. The race favorite at 3-1 odds, he did everything right.

That makes what Sovereignty accomplished at Churchill Downs that much more impressive.

The Godolphin-owned horse replicated the performance of his peer, making his way around the track in the middle of the pack before making a late surge that put him nose-to-nose with Journalism.

From there, he rose to the occasion, finding that next-level speed that allowed him to nose past, then eclipse the second-place finisher for the victory. That he accomplished it on a muddied track, against more horses than he is accustomed to racing with (19 made up this year's field), made it even more impressive.

The question now is whether he will compete in the Preakness on May 17.

Mott addressed that question during the trophy presentation, stating that the horse's energy will determine whether or not he will take to the track at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore for the second leg of the Triple Crown.

Regardless, Sovereignty delivered a classic finish to the most anticipated race of the year, beating the top horse in the race and proving to be the best in the field, even with Mother Nature ensuring less than perfect conditions.