Life since winning the Kentucky Oaks and Derby at Jonabell Farm

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- Michael Banahan had four two-year-old colts within the Godolphin system who had a chance to become household names in their next year of racing.

Now, one of them has his name written in history forever as the 2025 Kentucky Derby winner. On May 3, Sovereignty and jockey Junior Alvarado finished a job that started in the Bluegrass in 2022, but dated back decades.

A Crazy Week

Jockey Junior Alvarado celebrates with Banahan (center) after riding Sovereignty to victory in the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

“People are genuinely so pleased and I think they realize how difficult it is to (win the Oaks and the Derby in the same weekend),” said Banahan, who is the Director of Bloodstock for Godolphin’s U.S. team. “It’s been a crazy week. Interviews and podcasts. One thing after another.”

Banahan has been a part of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Godolphin team for decades. Delivering on the Ruler of Dubai’s lifelong quest for a Kentucky Derby win, his Holy Grail of sorts, has been a unique feeling.

“It’s fantastic because (the Derby) is on our doorstep and to be able to do it as the local team here in Kentucky meant the world,” said Banahan, sitting not far from the saddle cloths of not just Sovereignty, but Kentucky Oaks winner Good Cheer as well.

The team on the farm has had a taste of winning in early May in Louisville before though.

“We won the Oaks two years ago with Pretty Mischievous and it was fantastic. I firmly believe that the Derby brings everything to a different level all together,” said Banahan.

Homegrown Talent

There was no trip to the Keeneland Yearling Sale needed for Godolphin to find their 2025 Derby winner. Sovereignty was born, bred and raised in Kentucky by the Godolphin team. Even the breedings between Into Mischief and Crowned were done by the Lexington contingent.

Jockey Junior Alvarado celebrates after riding Sovereignty to victory in the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

“To also be able to do it with a homebred made it very, very special,” said Banahan. “The whole team was over the moon knowing what it meant to (Sheikh Mohammed) as well.”

Sovereignty is also a descendant from fellow Derby winners Seattle Slew, Secretariat and Affirmed.

What’s Next

Sovereignty’s health is being placed on a higher pedestal than winning the first Triple Crown in seven years. He will rest and skip the 150th Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, Maryland on May 17 before running again at Saratoga Springs, New York in the Belmont Stakes on June 7.

Hall of Fame trainer, Bill Mott, is looking to work his Derby winner back up to speed with his overall fitness in mind.

“He’s in great form. He’s come out of the race really well,” said Banahan. “Slowly building back into it again. He’s pretty fit now so he won’t have to get onto him too hard.”

The timing for Sovereignty between the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont is similar to his time off between the Florida Derby and running in Louisville. Both of which are about a month.