spot_img
Sunday, May 4, 2025
HomeHorse Racing IndustryTitle: The Enduring Legacy of Secretariat: A Look at the Kentucky Derby...

Title: The Enduring Legacy of Secretariat: A Look at the Kentucky Derby 2025


It’s been 52 years since Secretariat won the Triple Crown in record times that still stand – and his legacy will live on Saturday with all horses in the Kentucky Derby 2025 descending from the legendary horse.

According to The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Kentucky, it may sound impressive, but going back six generations of racehorses will show that most descend from the greats – including Secretariat or Northern Dancer.

Secretariat sired more than 660 registered foals in his lifetime.

Horses running in Kentucky Derby 2025

By the numbers:

Here’s a list of horses running in this year’s run for the roses, and the odds for each horse:

  1. Citizen Bull, with jockey Martin Garcia (17-1 odds)
  2. Neoequos, with jockey Flavien Prat (54-1 odds)
  3. Final Gambit, with jockey Luan Machado (18-1 odds)
  4. Rodriguez, with jockey Mike Smith (9-1 odds)
  5. American Promise, with jockey Nik Juarez (13-1 odds)
  6. Admire Daytona, with jockey Christophe Lemaire (40-1 odds)
  7. Luxor Cafe, with jockey Joao Moreira (14-1 odds)
  8. Journalism, with jockey Umberto Rispoli (4-1 odds)
  9. Burnham Square, with jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. (20-1 odds)
  10. Grande, with jockey John Velazquez (18-1 odds)
  11. Flying Mohawk, with jockey Joe Ramos (34-1 odds)
  12. East Avenue, with jockey Manny Franco (34-1 odds)
  13. Publisher, with jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. (30-1 odds)
  14. Tiztastic, with jockey Joel Rosario (19-1 odds)
  15. Render Judgement, with jockey Julien Leparoux (12-1 odds)
  16. Coal Battle, with jockey Juan Vargas (30-1 odds)
  17. Sandman, with jockey Jose Ortiz (5-1 odds)
  18. Sovereignty, with jockey Junior Alvarado (11-1 odds)
  19. Chuck of Gold, with jockey Jareth Loveberry (35-1 odds)
  20. Owen Almighty, with jockey Javier Castellano (43-1 odds)
  21. Baeza, with jockey Flavien Prat (54-1 odds)

Secretariat’s legacy

Nicknamed Big Red, Secretariat had an unusually large heart, according to The Associated Press, and it propelled him to the historic Triple Crown sweep 52 years ago.

Secretariat won the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont in record times, and ended a 25-year Triple Crown drought.

With Saturday’s Derby horses, Secretariat remains the heartbeat of an industry that has yet to see such dominance on and off the track replicated.

His name recognition, even among those who don’t follow sports, is still strong 36 years after his death, thanks to his inspiring story and his place in history as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.

This year marks the 52nd anniversary of Secretariat’s historic Triple Crown victory, a feat that remains unmatched in horse racing. Secretariat, known as “Big Red,” won the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont in record times, ending a 25-year drought for the Triple Crown. His legacy continues to influence the Kentucky Derby, with many horses competing in 2025 tracing their lineage back to him or other legendary racehorses like Northern Dancer.

Secretariat sired over 660 registered foals during his lifetime, ensuring his genetic impact on the racing industry. As the Kentucky Derby 2025 approaches, a diverse lineup of horses is set to compete, each with varying odds, showcasing the ongoing excitement and tradition of this prestigious event.

Despite the passage of time, Secretariat’s name remains iconic, resonating even with those outside the racing community. His remarkable story and achievements have solidified his status as one of the greatest racehorses in history, continuing to inspire and captivate fans and newcomers alike.

Previous article

Title: "Chasing Dreams: The Journey of Latino Jockeys at the Kentucky Derby"


Spectators watch a horse race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on April 30, 2025. Junior Alvarado, a jockey from Venezuela, makes his way to second place before crossing the finish line.

LOUISVILLE — As a young boy in Venezuela, Junior Alvarado wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and be a winning jockey. He started as what he called a "backboy" in the racing stables in Barquisimeto, Venezuela. He remembered hearing about this big race called the Kentucky Derby. "We didn’t have much access to watch any other races, but the Kentucky Derby was the famous race," Alvarado said. "Once I became a jockey, I thought my only chance to win that race — I had to go to the United States and I had to make it there. And that’s what I did."

Alvarado, 38, has now competed in the Kentucky Derby five times. He hopes to be the first to dart past the tall white "FINISH" post this weekend on a bay horse, No. 18 Sovereignty, during his sixth run.

Nineteen jockeys are slated to load into the green-and-white metal gates at the famous Churchill Downs racetrack this Saturday evening. Their horses will bullet down the 1 1/4-mile sandy track at a speed of 35 miles an hour. It’s the one shot to win $5 million and one of the most coveted titles in American horseracing. Most of those competing this weekend in Kentucky hail from around the world. The American Business Immigration Coalition estimates jockeys on visas account for up to 70% of U.S. competitors.

Now, as the Trump administration aims to crack down on many forms of migration, those in the industry bank their athletes will be spared from regulatory changes. But some across the country are already feeling the pain of living in limbo.

Many riders come from Mexico, Panama, and Venezuela, where there are established jockey academies. Other Latino jockeys are U.S.-born, including from Puerto Rico. "In Venezuela as well as many other Central and South American countries, horse racing is a big sport. It is equal to American football," said Ramon Dominguez, a retired jockey from Venezuela and member of the U.S. racing Hall of Fame. "A lot of the kids grow up with the dream of one day becoming a jockey."

The Latino presence in American horseracing has evolved over the years. From the grooms to some of the winningest jockeys, Latinos have risen in prominence. Jockeys from abroad are primarily able to get their foot in the door competing in the U.S. by using the P visa for athletes and O visa for individuals with extraordinary achievement. Current and former jockeys said that to compete means sacrifice, leaving families behind and training long hours to become the best of the best. "Our racing scene has been very much enriched by jockeys from all countries," said Bonnie Smerdon, an immigration attorney who helps jockeys with their visas and has been in the industry for almost 10 years. "I’m doing more and more jockey visas than [when I] started out in my career."

While many come on visas, Smerdon said there are other avenues. For example, she has one client from Venezuela on Temporary Protected Status, a parole program the Trump administration revoked, risking the work authorization of hundreds of thousands of immigrants. Alvarado, the Venezuelan jockey, said the opportunities that are getting denied are "heartbreaking." He knows jockeys in limbo with their immigration status. "A lot of those are very good athletes. They want to better themselves," Alvarado said. Smerdon said she has been able to get all her clients’ visas approved to bring in more athletes to the U.S., despite the Trump administration’s recent crackdowns.

Others in the industry agree their industry is untouched so far. Mindy Coleman, general counsel of the Jockeys’ Guild, helps jockeys process their immigration paperwork. She said it can already be complicated to request an athlete visa for a jockey because the sport is very unique — each athlete can compete for multiple different trainers and on several horses.

Those in the industry fear future restrictions on visas based on country of origin, or any limits to foreign talent. "I don’t want there to be additional restrictions in reviewing those petitions when they are originally submitted," Coleman said, noting she is thorough in providing background for the immigration agents. "It’s a beautiful, wonderful week," she said about the races leading up to the Kentucky Derby. "But quite frankly it takes people from all over the world in order to have this fastest two minutes in sports in Kentucky."

One reason foreign athletes compete in the U.S. is that many skew smaller and lighter than the average American, she said, making them more competitive in the race. Jockey schools in places like Panama also help shape a high-caliber talent pool. "What Latin America is sending us is their highest-trained professionals and people who become influential, who give back to the United States, who become our heroes," said Gabi Kuzenzli, associate professor at the University of South Carolina specializing in Latin American history and sports. "What people don’t realize is we’re talking about winning trainers, owners, jockeys, assistant trainers. This is a site of Latino excellence."

One such jockey is Javier Castellano, 47, who apprenticed in competitions in Venezuela and came to the U.S. at age 19. Since then, he has won 6,000 races, competed in the Kentucky Derby 16 times, won once in 2023, and is hoping to land another title on Saturday night. "I had heard that in the U.S. there was a big scene for international equestrian opportunities and I wanted to try my luck here in the U.S.," Castellano said, noting that his success in Venezuela was the launching point to compete in America. "I had to go through the same process as any immigrant of not knowing the language; it’s a different culture, different food."

At first, he came on a tourist visa and then secured a lawyer to help him complete the necessary paperwork to compete in the U.S. Castellano said the U.S. offers more tracks and horses where jockeys can compete, compared to some of the South American countries jockeys come from.

There are many pathways to the coveted track in Louisville. Martin Garcia, 40, riding No. 1 Citizen Bull, is from Veracruz, Mexico, and will compete in his fourth Kentucky Derby. Garcia said he entered the country illegally about 15 years ago, but is now a citizen. "I am really excited that I can ride a horse like those that are here and that I have the opportunity because there are many talented jockeys," Garcia said. He grew up around horses on a ranch in Mexico but fell into being a professional jockey once in the U.S. He now rides hundreds of races a year. "When I am on a horse, my mind is blank; you have to follow the rhythm of the horse," Garcia said. "It is such a unique sport."

Ahead of Derby night, three Latino jockeys, two of which are riding this weekend, were honored by the Louisville Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on stage — their many accolades listed off on stage. "Without our jockeys, we would not have a Kentucky Derby," said Hank Enright, one of the event emcees. "So it’s very important we take a pause and thank these unsung heroes for the most exciting two minutes of sports."

One jockey honored was Joel Rosario, who will take to the track aboard No. 14 Tiztastic for another shot at winning (he won in 2013). Rosario started riding at the age of 13 in the Dominican Republic and about 20 years ago he came to the U.S. on a visa to compete. "At first, it was a little difficult. I thought for a bit that it might be better to return to the Dominican Republic," Rosario told NPR at the event. "But I kept working, and was supported by the owners and trainers."

Now, Rosario said he has won more races than he ever thought possible. He sees his story as a successful jockey as an immigrant story, too. Rosario said he’s noticed an increase in Latino jockeys over the last two decades. "U.S. Latinos have continued advancing and succeeding here in the U.S.," he said, "And I want it to always be that way."

Next article

Title: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Celebrates Kentucky Derby Victory with Homebred Colt Sovereignty

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum finally realized his Kentucky Derby dream Saturday at Churchill Downs when his homebred colt Sovereignty won the run for the roses.

The connections assembled for the sheikh’s Godolphin Stable referred to the win as a family affair, with Godolphin racing manager Michael Banahan, trainer Bill Mott, and jockey Junior Alvarado celebrating as kin after their triumph. It not only was the first win from 13 tries for Sheikh Mohammed but also his first finish in the top three. Essential Quality finished fourth in 2021 and was promoted to third place.

"It’s been a long time coming," Banahan said. "We’ve had a few chances, and to finally get this done is just unbelievably special for the whole team."

The family affair extends to the horses as well. Sovereignty is the fourth generation of horses whom Mott has trained from a female family that traces back to Alabama Stakes winner Lakeway. All were for different owners until Godolphin acquired Sovereignty’s dam Crowned, who was sired by Godolphin homebred Bernardini.

"It’s a neat thing to be able to train those families and generations of horses," Mott said. "My first Derby memory is listening to the 1967 Derby in a pickup truck in Fort Pierce, S.D., never dreaming that I’d come to Kentucky let alone win races then win titles. And now to be sitting up here after winning the Kentucky Derby is like I’ve been shot into outer space."

Sovereignty was not quite shot into outer space when making his winning move, but jockey Junior Alvarado knew he was on a rocket when the son of Into Mischief ranged into contention on the far turn while tracking favorite Journalism.

"When we hit the five-eighths pole (halfway through the race) he was ready to go, but I wanted to be patient," Alvarado said. "I didn’t want other riders to know what I had. Then when we hit the three-eighths I was right behind Journalism. Once we turned for home, I put my horse in the clear and felt like we could get there. Then by the eighth pole I knew we had it won because my horse was still running hard."

There was a decent scrum into the first turn through a first quarter of 22.81 seconds and a half of 46.23. The complexion began to change down the backside and into the far turn when Owen Almighty made a brush to the front through three quarters in 1:10.78. By the quarter pole, though, it was clear that the battle was joined to Sovereignty and Journalism.

"I had a beautiful trip, I had the trip I wanted," Journalism’s jockey Umberto Rispoli said. "I wanted to turn for home with just a couple horses ahead of me, and that’s what happened. But Sovereignty was just best today."

Both Sovereignty and Journalism saved ground into the first turn, and Alvarado, Rispoli, and Mott all noted that was a key to their top two performances.

"We all know you don’t win Grade 1 races if you’re four or five wide on both turns," Mott said. "Junior did a great job getting him over, and with all the speed in the race it really set up well for us."

This is Mott’s second Kentucky Derby victory, having earned his first in 2019 when Country House was placed first via disqualification of Maximum Security. He is the 19th trainer to win multiple derbies, but the Hall of Fame conditioner was quick to say this one definitely felt different.

"I was silent until he hit the wire, and then it all came out," Mott said. "My family was here, and we had a special celebration together. I’m so proud of anyone who had anything to do with this horse. It’s a really special feeling for this to happen for this team."

The win completed a Kentucky Oaks-Derby double for Godolphin, making it the first owner since Calumet in 1952 to sweep those races. As if that were not enough, Godolphin sandwiched a 2,000 Guineas win with Ruling Court between the Oaks and Derby wins. Brad Cox trained Good Cheer to victory Friday in the Oaks ahead of Sovereignty’s score. Godolphin also had the Brendan Walsh-trained East Avenue in the Derby, and other trainers on its roster include Michael Stidham and Eoin Harty.

"We try to keep some families together that trainers have previously conditioned," Banahan said. "Temperament-wise, physicality-wise, we try to figure out what suits each trainer. We consider them all equally and want to give each trainer a chance to have different horses.

"With Bill, there is a wonderful kind of symmetry. He goes back to training for Sheikh Mohammed in the old maroon Darley colors, and he was a great supporter of the Dubai World Cup when he brought Cigar over there when at that time it was more about that horse than it was the race."

That sense of family that pervaded the post-Derby celebration was present long before the roses. Alvarado was hurt just before the Florida Derby and missed that race, where Sovereignty finished second to Tappan Street. But Mott assured his regular rider that Sovereignty would be waiting for him in Louisville.

"I was heartbroken thinking I wouldn’t be able to ride this horse," Alvarado said. "Mr. Mott called me and said, ‘Listen, do what you need to do. You’re riding these horses back.’ That gave me the peace of mind I needed to recover properly."

Everyone recovered from that Florida Derby misstep, as Sovereignty and Mott both thrived beneath the Twin Spires in the leadup to the Kentucky Derby. After a five-furlong workout in 1:00.6 two weeks before the Derby, Mott knew his charge was ready.

"When a racing Hall of Fame trainer phones you and says, ‘That was a serious racehorse work,’ it gives you a lot of confidence," Banahan said. "He knew it would take the race of Sovereignty’s life to win this race, and that is what we got out of him."

Given it was that type of race, Sovereignty’s connections were in no hurry to commit to the Preakness Stakes on May 17 at Pimlico. They will do the usual checking of the horse before making a decision. One thing is for certain, the Godolphin team welcomes the competition with Journalism.

"This has the makings of one of those great traditional East versus West-type rivalries," Banahan said. "I’m sure we’ll have races down the road where they’ll want to try to come back to us. As for the Preakness, we’ll just have to wait and see. That sounds like a trainer decision to me. We trust (Mott), and I’m sure he’ll give it a consideration."

Shop Barn Lighting

latest articles

explore more