junior alvarado jockey

Junior Rafael Alvarado is a Venezuelan jockey known for competing in American Thoroughbred horse racing. Born on May 20, 1986, in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, he has won significant races including the 2025 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes aboard the horse Sovereignty. Alvarado began his racing career in Venezuela in 2005 before moving to the United States in 2007, where he established himself as a top jockey in the sport. His father was also a jockey in Venezuela and originally intended to name him Rafael Alvarado Jr., but due to a registration error, he was named Junior Rafael Alvarado. Throughout his career, he has achieved many milestones such as winning his first Grade 1 race in 2010 and riding many top horses over the years. In 2025, he won the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and Travers Stakes with Sovereignty, marking a highly successful year. Notably, in May 2025, Alvarado was fined $62,000 and suspended for two racing days by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority for exceeding the allowed number of whip strikes during the Kentucky Derby race.