Bill Mott: From Humble Beginnings to Kentucky Derby Glory
"Bill Mott isn’t the sort of trainer who will enter just to have a horse in the Derby,” said Teresa Genaro of The Athletic, succinctly capturing the essence of this esteemed trainer. As the anticipation mounted ahead of the 151st Kentucky Derby, Mott entered the fray with his horse Sovereignty, boasting respectable 7-1 odds. Despite the field’s favorite, Journalism, commanding significant attention, it was Sovereignty who emerged victorious—upsetting the established narrative of the race and solidifying Mott’s legacy in Derby history.
The Race That Shook Churchill Downs
As the gates flew open at Churchill Downs, the atmosphere crackled with excitement. Bob Baffert’s horse, Citizen Bull, took an early lead, showcasing strength and speed over the 1 1/4 mile track. Yet, as the race progressed, the true talent among the contenders began to assert itself. Mott’s Sovereignty, strategically positioned outside, surged alongside Journalism in a breathtaking final stretch. With a burst of speed, Sovereignty secured the win, not just etching Mott’s name into Derby lore once again but doing so in a manner befitting his status as a close and calculated trainer.
Bill Mott: A Journey from Mobridge to Racing Fame
Bill Mott’s story is woven from the threads of determination and an unwavering love for the equine world. Born in Mobridge, South Dakota, Mott was introduced to horses at an early age through his father, a veterinarian. Mott recalls, “After watching him treat a variety of ailments, I knew that I wanted to spend my life working with horses.” Even in his teenage years, he was devising ways to fund his passion, selling cattle and pigs and using those earnings to train horses—a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit.
By the time he was 19, Mott had saved enough to purchase his first horse, Kosmic Tour, which led him to a South Dakota Futurity title. This early success paved the way for mentorship under Hall of Famer Jack Van Berg in the 1970s, where he honed his skills and strategies in the competitive world of horse racing.
A Historic First: The 2019 Kentucky Derby
Mott’s journey took a significant turn when he finally claimed his first Kentucky Derby victory in 2019. However, the win came with a twist; Mott’s horse, Country House, finished second on the track yet was declared the winner due to the disqualification of the leading horse, Maximum Security. This victory, while historic, lacked the traditional path to glory, making Sovereignty’s triumph in 2024 all the more poignant and meaningful for the veteran trainer.
Reflecting on the Victory
With Sovereignty’s victory, Mott experienced what he aptly described as, “a better win.” In his characteristic modesty, he stated, “This one got here the right way.” What made the victory even sweeter was the presence of 147,406 roaring fans, cheering under overcast skies for the $5 million purse race. Junior Alvarado, the jockey who rode Sovereignty, not only clinched his first Derby win but also demonstrated the precision and skill instilled by Mott.
After the race, Alvarado expressed his admiration: “Every move I was making, that horse was just there for me every single time,” he lauded, emphasizing the bond and trust between horse and rider, fostered under Mott’s guidance.
Looking Ahead: The Preakness Stakes
With the Kentucky Derby now in the rearview mirror, Mott has shifted focus toward the next challenge—the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore. The road ahead guarantees new challenges, especially with competitors like Bob Baffert, whose strategies may evolve for the upcoming race. Both Baffert’s early lead with Citizen Bull and the unexpected performance from other contenders will keep Mott on his toes, ensuring he remains as fiercely competitive as ever.
Bill Mott’s unwavering dedication and passion for the sport, coupled with his impressive record, suggest that he is far from finished making his mark in thoroughbred racing. His assertion that he “can never get enough” of the sport rings true as he continues to embrace the highs, lows, and challenges of what is not just a career but a lifelong commitment to the world of horse racing.
