Have a look at the bio, age, height, weight, wife and net worth of jockey Junior Alvarado
Junior Alvarado is a Venezuelan jockey player who recently won the 2025 Kentucky Derby, find out more about him and his achievements below.
Alvardo recently pulled off the biggest win of his career, guiding his horse ‘Sovereignty’ to a dramatic and unexpected victory.
The veteran jockey battled his way through muddy, rain-soaked conditions at Churchill Downs to surge past favorite Journalism in the final stretch.
Who is Junior Alvarado, jockey of Sovereignty 2025 Kentucky Derby winner, biography, age, height, weight, family, wife and net worth
The 151st Kentucky Derby concluded with a high-stakes drama as Sovereignty, a 7-1 underdog, stormed to victory with Junior Alvarado at its helm. The Bill Mott-trained steed secured the win, overcoming the tough weather and a sloppy track. ‘Journalism’ had initially led most of the way, but during the final home stretch, Sovereignty—nicknamed “Soberania” by fans—secured the win under Alvarado’s skilled guidance.
He ruled the front stretch! 👑
Watch Sovereignty and Junior Alvarado win the 151st Kentucky Derby ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/s4YfP5P1B3
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 3, 2025
Notably, Junior Alvardo who competes under Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin stable, won the competition just five weeks following an injury. Alvarado’s win marked his first Kentucky Derby victory and also a potential for a Triple Crown run after securing the first leg. Moreover, the victory also extended Godolphin’s dominance in U.S. horse racing, as they completed a historic Oaks-Derby double after Good Cheer had previously triumphed just the day before.
Junior Alvarado bio
Junior Rafael Alvarado is a seasoned jockey in American thoroughbred horse racing who was born on May 20, 1986, in Venezuela. Alvardo has horse racing in his blood, as he is the son of Rafael Alvarado, who was also a jockey. Interestingly, his parents gave him the name Rafael Jr at birth, but a clerical error saw him registered as Junior Rafael.
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Age and height
Born in 1986, Junior Alvarado is 38 years old as of 2025.
Birthdate – May 20, 1986
Birthplace – Barquisimeto, Venezuela
Height – 5 feet, 6 inches
Weight – 113 pounds
Family – wife Kelly; son Adrian; daughter Adalyn
The 38-year-old is married to Kelly Alvarado, and they have three children and two dogs together.
Junior’s father, a former jockey in Venezuela, spark Alvarado’s lifelong passion for the sport. “I’m sure they’re over the moon right now,” he said while thanking his parents in Spanish.
Career and achievements
Junior Alvarado has so far had a strong career in American horse racing, consistently riding in top-tier races. He earned his first career win back on December 30, 2005, at La Rinconada Hippodrome in Caracas. He then moved to the United States in 2007, and just two months after arriving, he secured his first U.S. win at Gulfstream Park in Florida. Prior to his recent 2025 breakthrough win at the Kentucky Derby, Alvarado had notable finishes throughout his career.
He won 4th place aboard Mohaymen during the 2016 Kentucky Derby and placed 12th with Enticed in 2018. He also secured 4th place in the 2012 Preakness Stakes riding Zetterholm. Following Sovereignty’s 2025 Derby win, Alvarado is now a part of an elite group of jockeys who have won one of the sport’s most prestigious titles.
Net Worth
Although his exact net worth isn’t publicly confirmed, Junior Alvarado likely has an estimated net worth of between $1 million and $5 million.
Alvarado is a highly accomplished jockey in the world of horse racing and with over a decade of experience under his belt, Alvarado has become known for his impressive earnings, which total more than $3 million. He has a win percentage of 12%.
“I wanna thank my Lord, Jesus, for giving me this Kentucky Derby win”
– Jockey Junior Alvarado after winning the Kentucky Derby with his horse Sovereignty👏 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/y1H5q6DWqo— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) May 3, 2025