Sovereignty powered through the final turn and out-dueled favorite Journalism in the final straight to win the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, giving the Godolphin stable a first victory in the U.S. racing classic at Churchill Downs.

Untroubled by the sloppy track after a rainy day in Louisville, Sovereignty gained control in the final furlong to give Venezuelan jockey Junior Alvarado a first Kentucky Derby win.

"It means the world to me," a mud-splattered Alvarado told broadcaster NBC as he made his way aboard Sovereignty toward the winner's circle.