US EditionKentucky Derby-Winning Jockey Penalized for Riding Crop Violation
- Jockey Junior Alvarado was fined $62,000 and suspended for two days after exceeding the six-strike whip limit on Sovereignty during the May 3, 2025 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
- The penalty was imposed after officials at Churchill Downs reviewed the race and determined that Alvarado exceeded the allowable number of riding crop uses—striking Sovereignty eight times—surpassing the maximum of six strikes permitted by the regulatory body overseeing racing integrity and safety.
- Alvarado, age 38 and native of Venezuela, earned $310,000 from the race riding Sovereignty, who won the 151st Kentucky Derby in muddy conditions and will skip the Preakness but is expected at the Belmont Stakes.
- Alvarado admitted he lost track of his whip usage during the race and accepted that he will likely face some form of punishment, while his agent said they are waiting to learn the details of any potential fine or suspension.
- The fine represents 20% of Alvarado's race earnings under an escalating penalty structure due to a prior whip violation, and the suspension will be served at the end of May.
37 Articles
37 Articles
Kentucky Derby-winning jockey fined for striking horse too much
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has announced Junior Alvarado, the jockey who rode Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty has been fined $62,000 for striking the horse too many times during the race. Sovereignty’s owners say Alvarado will not run in the second leg of the triple crown, the Preakness Stakes.
Penalized Jockey Says He Had to Use Crop on Sovereignty
Junior Alvarado, the jockey who rode Sovereignty to victory in the Kentucky Derby last weekend, has been punished for striking the horse too many times with his riding crop. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority fined Alvarado $62,000 and suspended him for two racing days later this month after...
Sovereignty jockey fine, explained: Why Kentucky Derby winner's rider was punished for excessive whipping
Sovereignty's jockey, Junior Alvarado, was handed a $62,000 fine and a two-race suspension after leveling eight strikes at his humble steed — two more than the legal limit.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
