The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby delivered all the drama, heart, and horsepower that fans of the “Run for the Roses” have come to expect—but for the residents of Southern Oregon, the day carried special meaning. Not only did the race crown a new champion in Sovereignty, but it also marked a triumphant showing by local favorite Owen Almighty, owned by Grants Pass entrepreneur and Dutch Bros Coffee co-founder Travis Boersma.
In a rain-soaked showdown at Churchill Downs, Sovereignty surged past pre-race favorite Journalism in the final stretch to win the Derby with a time of 2:02.31. Ridden by Venezuelan jockey Junior Alvarado and trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, the colt entered with 7-1 odds and delivered a commanding performance on a sloppy, rain-drenched track. The win was especially significant for Alvarado, his first-ever Derby victory, and for Mott, his second, having previously won in 2019.
Sovereignty’s triumph also made history for global racing powerhouse Godolphin, which now holds the rare distinction of sweeping both the Derby and the Kentucky Oaks in the same weekend. Their filly, Good Cheer, claimed Friday’s Oaks title, marking the first time since 1952 that a single owner captured both elite races.
The final standings for the top five horses were as follows:
- Sovereignty (7-1)
- Journalism (3-1)
- Baeza (13-1)
- Final Gambit (17-1)
- Owen Almighty (40-1)
While Sovereignty earned national glory, it was Owen Almighty who carried the hopes—and pride—of Southern Oregon.
Owen Almighty, a striking bay colt trained by Brian Lynch and ridden by veteran jockey Javier Castellano, entered the race with long 40-1 odds but defied expectations to finish in a strong fifth place. The colt is owned by Travis Boersma, whose presence in the racing world has grown steadily through his Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing LLC. For Boersma, this wasn’t just a race—it was a statement.
“This is just the beginning,” Boersma said. “Owen Almighty has shown what we’re capable of, and I couldn’t be prouder of our team and our community.”
Grants Pass residents gathered at local cafes and sports bars to watch the race, many donning Dutch Bros hats or homemade Owen Almighty shirts. The excitement was palpable. For locals, this wasn’t just another Derby—it was personal.
The horse’s fifth-place finish, just behind Final Gambit and within nine lengths of Sovereignty, was a proud moment for a town better known for coffee and rafting than thoroughbred racing. Despite the slippery track, Owen Almighty held his ground, pushed through the middle of the pack, and closed hard in the stretch.
Travis Boersma’s involvement in racing isn’t just about trophies or earnings—it’s also about revitalizing the sport in his hometown. He has been instrumental in preserving and promoting racing at Grants Pass Downs, keeping the legacy of Oregon horse racing alive at a time when many local tracks are closing across the nation.
Meanwhile, bettors and analysts alike were buzzing over Sovereignty’s late-race push. The colt’s victory yielded payouts of $17.96 for a $2 win bet, $48.32 for the exacta, $115.56 for a 50-cent trifecta, and a whopping $1,682.27 for a $1 superfecta that included the top four horses. Sovereignty’s impressive performance in both the Fountain of Youth Stakes and the Florida Derby earlier this year had many watching him closely—and he delivered.
The crowd at Churchill Downs was a blend of celebrities, raincoats, and anticipation. Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, actress Selma Blair, and chef Guy Fieri were all spotted braving the weather. In a surprise health scare, NBC’s lead sportscaster Mike Tirico was forced to leave the broadcast due to an allergic reaction. He later confirmed he was okay, thanks to quick action by event staff.
With the Preakness Stakes on the horizon in two weeks, racing fans are now speculating whether Sovereignty can continue his dominance en route to a potential Triple Crown run. As for Owen Almighty, Boersma and his team have yet to confirm if the colt will race in Baltimore—but no matter what happens next, he has already carved out a spot in the hearts of Southern Oregonians.
From slinging espresso shots to chasing roses beneath the Twin Spires, Boersma’s journey—and Owen Almighty’s performance—proved that with a little grit, a lot of heart, and a homegrown dream, even the world’s biggest stage can feel like your own backyard.