Mott Barn Relishes Kentucky Derby Victory

May 08, 2025 Kevin Kerstein

Godolphin’s Sovereignty shipped to Saratoga on Wednesday but trainer Bill Mott’s team is still enjoying the moment.

“This was truly unbelievable,” said Mott’s longtime Churchill Downs assistant Kenny McCarthy. “Everyone in the horse racing industry works hard every single day. To win the Derby is just an unbelievable feeling. Especially for our local staff. They've had a chance now to be around the horse. They deserve this.

“We always had such high hopes for him. We had him in our barn as a 2-year-old when he broke his maiden in the Street Sense. It's just been a truly wonderful experience.”

Sovereignty will skip the May 17 Preakness Stakes (GI) and target the June 7 Belmont Stakes (GI) at Saratoga.

As part of the barn’s post-Derby tradition, McCarthy brought the garland of roses to Bambi Bar on Bardstown Road on Sunday to share the win with friends and staff, just as he did in 2019 following Country House’s Derby victory.

THIS WEEK AT CHURCHILL DOWNS – Live racing will resume Thursday-Sunday at Churchill Downs for a busy weekend of on-track events and high-quality racing.

Thursday is the first Twilight Thursday of the Spring Meet that will feature eight races, $2 domestic beer, live music from Piper Madison and local food trucks. Gates open at 4 p.m. with a first post of 5 p.m.

Friday’s nine-race program will get underway at 12:45 p.m. and feature a competitive turf allowance contest in Race 8.

Saturday’s 11-race program features the $225,000 Mamzelle Stakes (GIII) led by Limestone Stakes winner Shisospicy. First post is 12:45 with the Mamzelle going as Race 10 at 5:27 p.m.

Sunday will close out the racing week at Churchill Downs for a 10-race Mother’s Day program. There’s no better way to treat Mom than with a day at the races. Whether she's picking winners or just here for the mint juleps, it's a celebration the whole family can enjoy.

For tickets and additional information, visit www.churchilldowns.com.

ORTIZ, COX, GODOLPHIN TOP STANDINGS AFTER DERBY WEEK – After the first six days of racing at the 2025 Spring Meet, jockey Jose Ortiz, trainer Brad Cox and owner Godolphin lead their respective standings at Churchill Downs.

Ortiz, who earlier this year won the leading rider title at Fair Grounds, held an 11-10 win edge over Luis Saez. Flavien Prat ranked third with five victories.

Cox, who had a strong Kentucky Derby Week capped by winning the 151st running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) with Good Cheer, led all trainers with four wins from 17 starters. He held a one-win advantage over Chad Brown, Cherie DeVaux, Greg Foley, Eddie Kenneally, Mike Maker, Bill Mott and John Ortiz.

Godolphin topped the owner standings with three wins and three second-place finishes from 12 starters, one win ahead of Lael Stables.

DOWN THE STRETCH – The 20-cent Derby City 6 Jackpot will start over for racing Thursday night and span Races 3-8. The card also features two Pick 5s in Races 1 and 4. Journalism continues to train at Churchill Downs for a possible start in the Preakness Stakes. The colt jogged Thursday morning. Another Preakness contender still based at Churchill Downs is Rodriguez. The colt, who scratched from the Kentucky Derby, has continued to gallop and is scheduled to work this weekend. Kentucky Derby contenders Admire Daytona and Luxor Café arrived back in Japan Wednesday. Nominations for Stephen Foster Preview Day close Wednesday. The May 31 program will feature six $275,000 stakes: the Aristides (GIII), the Arlington (GIII), the Blame (GIII), the Regret (GIII), the Shawnee (GIII) and the Audubon (Listed). To nominate, call 502-638-3806.

Downs After Dark returns Preakness Night on Saturday, May 17. Step back in time and join us for a night of 90’s nostalgia. Tickets are available at www.churchilldowns.com.