In Video: Kentucky Derby winning jockey Junior Alvarado talks about his journey to victory

Finally: Junior Alvarado’s Incredible Journey to Victory in the Kentucky Derby

Junior Alvarado’s story is one of perseverance and triumph over adversity. The jockey rode the winning horse, Sovereignty, to victory in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, marking his first win after five previous attempts. But Alvarado’s journey to the winner’s circle was not without its challenges.

A Serious Setback

Just three weeks before the big race, Alvarado suffered a shoulder fracture that sidelined him for three weeks. But that was not the only hurdle he faced. Two days before the Kentucky Derby, Alvarado suffered another fall, which left him with doubts about his ability to compete.

From Venezuela to the Winner’s Circle

Growing up in Venezuela, Alvarado was fascinated by horse racing, and he knew that winning the Kentucky Derby was his lifelong dream. With the support of his family, particularly his father, a retired jockey, Alvarado pursued his passion and trained tirelessly to achieve his goal.

Focus and Determination

Despite the setbacks and injuries, Alvarado remained focused on his goal. He credits his father’s influence and his own determination for pushing him to keep going. "I think it’s just part of what I do," Alvarado said. "The sport is very dangerous, so a lot of injuries, but you know, I just had to do what I had to do."

A Bittersweet Victory

When Alvarado won the Kentucky Derby, it was a moment he had been dreaming of for years. "It’s still like unbelievable," he said. "I believe it and I did it. It’s just been crazy and unbelievable, but yeah, I mean, just very excited that I accomplished this."

Advice for Young Jockeys

For young riders who may be inspired by Alvarado’s story, he has one piece of advice: "Pursue your dream, and you know, many times it’s not that easy, but you have to keep pushing through it until you make your dream come true. Just focus, put yourself in a goal, and go for it."

The Winning Moment

As Alvarado crossed the finish line, he felt a mix of emotions. He described the feeling as "unbelievable" and said that he knew his horse, Sovereignty, was going to get him to the finish line. "It was just meant to be," he said.

Conclusion

Junior Alvarado’s victory in the Kentucky Derby is a testament to his perseverance and determination. Despite the setbacks and injuries, he remained focused on his goal and achieved the unthinkable. His story is an inspiration to young riders and a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.