Jockey Junior Alvarado has been fined and suspended for whipping Sovereignty too many times during his Kentucky Derby-winning ride last Saturday at Churchill Downs. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority on Friday ordered Alvarado to pay a $62,000 fine and suspended him for two Kentucky racing days, May 29 and May 30.

Junior Alvarado was given a $62,000 fine and suspended for two upcoming racing days for striking Sovereignty eight times with his riding crop during the Kentucky Derby.

A week ago today, May 3, 2025, jockey Junior Alvarado led Sovereignty to victory in the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Just a few days later, trainer Bill Mott revealed Sovereignty wouldn't be running in the 150th Preakness Stakes,