US EditionKentucky Derby-Winning Jockey Penalized for Riding Crop Violation
- Jockey Junior Alvarado was fined $62,000 and suspended for two days after exceeding the six-strike whip limit on Sovereignty during the May 3, 2025 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
- The penalty was imposed after officials at Churchill Downs reviewed the race and determined that Alvarado exceeded the allowable number of riding crop uses—striking Sovereignty eight times—surpassing the maximum of six strikes permitted by the regulatory body overseeing racing integrity and safety.
- Alvarado, age 38 and native of Venezuela, earned $310,000 from the race riding Sovereignty, who won the 151st Kentucky Derby in muddy conditions and will skip the Preakness but is expected at the Belmont Stakes.
- Alvarado admitted he lost track of his whip usage during the race and accepted that he will likely face some form of punishment, while his agent said they are waiting to learn the details of any potential fine or suspension.
- The fine represents 20% of Alvarado's race earnings under an escalating penalty structure due to a prior whip violation, and the suspension will be served at the end of May.
90 Articles
90 Articles
Junior Alvarado Faces Suspension over Whip Usage
Famous jockey Junior Alvarado is contemplating whether to dispute a penalty and temporary ban he received due to excess usage of his whip on the horse Sovereignty in the victorious Kentucky Derby race that occurred on May 3. The Racing Integrity and Safety Authority, who are in charge of enforcing racing rules, dealt Alvarado a hefty $62,000 fine and also ordered a two-day suspension. This was all on the grounds that he had exceeded the permissi…
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RYAN MOORE has jocked Kieran Shoemark off the massive £225,000 ride on Dancing Gemini in the Lockinge. It is the latest massive blow for Shoemark – who recently endured the week from hell. PARyan Moore has been in incredible form and has pinched the ride on Dancing Gemini for Saturday’s Group 1 Lockinge at Newbury[/caption] First he lost his job as the No1 rider for John and Thady Gosden. Then he saw an epic French 1000 Guineas win on Shes Perfe…
Jockey who rode Sovereignty in Kentucky Derby fined for number of strikes - WNKY News 40 Television
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (NBCNC) – The jockey who rode Sovereignty to victory at the Kentucky Derby last week has been fined. According to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, Junior Alvarado was found to have struck the horse with his riding crop more than the permitted amount during last week’s race. The jockey was hit with a $60,000 fine for the violation and suspended for two Kentucky racing days – May 29 and May 30. Alvarado was found to …
Junior Alvarado seeks to appeal fine and suspension for excessive whip use in the Kentucky Derby
Louisville, Ky. (AP) — Venezuelan jockey Junior Alvarado is considering appealing a fine and suspension for using his whip eight times on Sovereignty in winning the Kentucky Derby on May 3.
Sovereignty Jockey Junior Alvarado Handed Heavy Penalty After He Was Caught Cheating At Kentucky Derby
Venezuelan jockey Junior Alvarado won his first career Kentucky Derby on the back of Sovereignty on May 3 at Churchill Downs. But now Alvarado is paying a major penalty after it was found that he violated the rules of the sport in order to do so. Alvarado, 38, was fined $62,000 (20 percent of his $310,000 share of the winnings) and suspended for two Kentucky racing days after it was determined that he went to the whip eight times down the stretc…
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