Jockey who rode Sovereignty in Kentucky Derby fined for number of strikes

WNKY Staff,
Photo Resize 2025 05 06t133606912
Sovereignty, ridden by Junior Alvarado, crosses the finish line to win the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (NBCNC) – The jockey who rode Sovereignty to victory at the Kentucky Derby last week has been fined.

According to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, Junior Alvarado was found to have struck the horse with his riding crop more than the permitted amount during last week’s race.

The jockey was hit with a $60,000 fine for the violation and suspended for two Kentucky racing days – May 29 and May 30.

Alvarado was found to have struck Sovereignty eight times during the Kentucky Derby.

HISA protocol allows jockeys to strike horses a maximum of six times during a race.

Connect with News 40

Download the WNKY News 40 Weather App