A horse who trained in Ocala claimed victory in the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, just over a year after another horse with ties to Marion County claimed victory in the world’s most prestigious horse race.
Sovereignty claimed victory in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3. The horse edged out several other horses with ties to the area, including Journalism, who finished second.
Both Sovereignty and Journalism received early training at Bridlewood Farm in Ocala. Journalism is also part-owned by Bridlewood Farm owners John and Leslie Malone.
A three-year-old colt sired by Into Mischief, Sovereignty is owned by Godolphin, the racing stable of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The horse was trained by William Mott and ridden by jockey Junior Alvarado.
This year, at least half of the horses who competed in the Kentucky Derby had ties to Marion County, including all three of the horses who were favored to win.
Last year, another horse with ties to Marion County, Mystik Dan, claimed victory in the 150th running of the race.
To read about the complete list of the horses in this year’s Kentucky Derby and their connections to Marion County, visit the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association online.