Junior Alvarado has been a consistent presence in the major Grade 1 classic races in the USA and internationally for the past three years, achieving success through perseverance, passion, and an unwavering determination to keep going, overcoming falls, injuries, slumps, and moments of doubt. Junior has forged his own path, earning the success he enjoys today, which culminated in 2025 with his first victories in two of the three American Triple Crown races: the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes, both with the talented three-year-old SOVEREIGNTY, with whom he also won the Fountain of Youth (Gulfstream Park) and the Travers Stakes G1 (Saratoga). A family man, a devout believer in God, proud of his roots, and respectful of his profession, the horses, and his colleagues, Junior has followed in the footsteps of his father, Rafael Alvarado, and embodies the dream of many Latinos who, alongside him, celebrate his successes and support him through his defeats, encouraging him to continue.
In his native Venezuela, the National College of Journalists annually awards the Male and Female Athlete of the Year awards, a prize that had eluded Venezuelan jockeys until this year, 2025, when Junior Alvarado won first place in the voting process to receive the recognition as Athlete of the Year 2025.
Celebrating this achievement, let’s remember a little more about Junior’s career:
Junior Rafael Alvarado is one of the most accomplished and respected jockeys in contemporary Thoroughbred racing. Born on May 20, 1986, in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, Alvarado was raised in a racing family—his father, Rafael Alvarado, was also a professional jockey—sparking a passion for the sport that would shape his career from an early age.
Alvarado began his professional riding career in Venezuela, earning his first career victory on December 30, 2005, at Hipódromo La Rinconada in Caracas. That early success marked the beginning of a journey that would soon extend beyond borders. In February 2007, he relocated to the United States, where he captured his first American victory at Gulfstream Park aboard Satira.
Known for his strong work ethic and refined riding skills, Alvarado quickly established himself across major racing circuits, particularly in New York, where he became a consistent presence on the New York Racing Association (NYRA) circuit.
Over the years, he steadily built an impressive résumé, earning multiple Grade 1 victories that solidified his standing among North America’s elite jockeys. His early top-level successes include wins in the Beverly D. Stakes, Whitney Stakes, and Prioress Stakes, demonstrating versatility on both dirt and turf.
The most recent chapter of Alvarado’s career has been nothing short of exceptional. Between 2022 and 2025, he reached new heights with a series of marquee victories and prestigious honors. He captured back-to-back Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile titles aboard fan-favorite Cody’s Wish and added a Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies victory, contributing to a championship season for Just F Y I.
Alvarado’s excellence has also been recognized beyond race results. He was awarded the Mike Venezia Memorial Award in 2023 and the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award in 2024—two of the sport’s most respected honors, voted on by fellow jockeys and recognizing integrity, professionalism, and sportsmanship.
In 2025, Alvarado achieved a career-defining milestone. Partnering with Sovereignty, trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, he captured the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes, two jewels of the Triple Crown. The duo also added a victory in the Travers Stakes, completing a remarkable season at the highest level of the sport.
On the international stage, Alvarado further cemented his legacy by winning the Saudi Cup, the richest race in the world, showcasing his talent on a global platform.
With more than 2,300 career victories, 32 Grade 1 wins, and over $162 million in purse earnings, Junior Alvarado stands as one of the most successful Venezuelan jockeys in history. His journey—from Venezuela to the world’s premier racetracks—continues to inspire future generations and represents a lasting legacy of dedication, talent, and excellence.
Career Highlights & Statistics
Career Highlights
- Winner of the Kentucky Derby (2025) – SOVEREIGNTY
- Winner of the Belmont Stakes (2025) – SOVEREIGNTY
- Winner of the Travers Stakes (2025) – SOVEREIGNTY
- Winner of the Saudi Cup (World’s Richest Race) – SENOR BUSCADOR
- Two-time Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner (2022, 2023) aboard Cody’s Wish
- Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner with Just F Y I
- Multiple Grade 1 victories in North America
- Recipient of the Mike Venezia Memorial Award (2023)
- Recipient of the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award (2024)
Career Statistics
- Career Wins: 2,300+ (By Dec 30, 2025)
- Grade 1 Wins: 32 (by Dec 30, 2025)
- Career Earnings: Over $162 million in purse earnings (by Dec 30, 2025)
- Primary Circuits: United States (NYRA), International competition
- Notable Strengths: Tactical race riding, versatility on dirt and turf, consistency at elite level
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