Sovereignty, ridden by Junior Alvarado, achieved fame by winning the 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2023, surpassing the favorite, Journalism. However, following the race, the Horse and Safety Authority (HISA) fined Alvarado $62,000 for exceeding the legal limit of whip strikes during the race, which is capped at six. Alvarado admitted to losing track of the strikes amid the intensity of the event, stating that he needed to push for victory.

The fine was significant due to Alvarado’s prior violations, resulting in a doubled penalty and a two-race suspension. He earned $310,000 from the Derby, but his winnings were affected by the fine. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about horse safety and jockey conduct, especially in high-stakes races.

In a related decision, Sovereignty will not compete in the Preakness Stakes, as trainer Bill Mott prioritized the horse’s well-being over pursuing the Triple Crown. This marks the third consecutive Kentucky Derby winner to skip the Preakness, potentially leading to a decline in viewership for the event.