In the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby, jockey Junior Alvarado faced adversity when he suffered a hairline fracture in his shoulder after a fall at Gulfstream Park. His horse, Term, had a heart attack during the race, resulting in Alvarado being injured when another horse clipped him. With the Derby approaching, Alvarado was deeply concerned about missing this crucial opportunity, particularly since he had a strong chance with his horse, Sovereignty. He prayed daily for a swift recovery, hoping to return in time for the race.
His prayers were answered, and he managed to recover just in time to compete in the 151st Kentucky Derby. On race day at Churchill Downs, Alvarado rode Sovereignty to victory, marking his first Derby win after five previous attempts. The horse’s trainer, Bill Mott, assured Alvarado that he would remain the jockey once he healed, which brought him immense relief in a competitive industry where riders can be quickly replaced.
Despite a second fall just days before the Derby, Alvarado’s confidence in Sovereignty and the horse’s excellent training leading up to the race paid off. Mott expressed no reservations about Sovereignty’s performance heading into the Derby. Winning the race was especially meaningful for Alvarado, whose journey in horse racing began in Venezuela, inspired by his father, who was also a jockey. His victory at the Derby fulfilled a lifelong dream, and after the race, Alvarado struggled to describe the overwhelming emotions he felt, signaling the significance of this moment in his career.
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