Sovereignty lived up to expectations in spectacular fashion at the 151st Kentucky Derby, powering through the final stretch at Churchill Downs to claim victory on May 3, 2025. Ridden by jockey Junior Alvarado, the colt surged past top contenders and earned a massive $3.1 million prize. But just days after the win, fans were met with a surprise—Sovereignty will not be competing in the Preakness Stakes, effectively ending any hope for a Triple Crown run this year.
Trainer Bill Mott announced that Sovereignty would be skipping the second leg of the Triple Crown, set for May 17, citing the horse’s long-term development as the priority. “We’re looking at a career,” Mott said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the colt’s performance beyond just a five-week stretch.
While many were eager to see Sovereignty chase Triple Crown glory, the decision to rest him stems from strategic caution. The colt has already run three high-intensity races since March, including the Florida Derby and the Fountain of Youth Stakes. Mott and the Godolphin team believe a break now will help the horse stay at peak performance later in the season.
Preakness officials were informed directly of the decision, and this move places Sovereignty among a growing group of recent Kentucky Derby winners who’ve bypassed the Preakness. In fact, four out of the last seven Derby champions have opted to skip the race. Instead, the focus shifts to the Belmont Stakes, now scheduled for June 7 at Saratoga due to renovations at Belmont Park.
Sovereignty has already arrived at Saratoga and is beginning preparations for the grueling 1.5-mile Belmont test—an event that favors horses with strong endurance. Though Mott hadn’t committed to future plans right after the Derby, the latest update makes it clear that the team is targeting a strong showing at Belmont. Godolphin’s Michael Banahan echoed this sentiment, stating that Sovereignty has had “three hard races” and deserves rest.
Bred by Godolphin, Sovereignty boasts a rich pedigree. He’s sired by Into Mischief, now credited with three Kentucky Derby-winning offspring, joining a select group of elite sires. His dam, Crowned, while unraced, descends from an impressive bloodline that includes Preakness and Derby winners, along with top-tier breeding figures like Nellie Morse and Bold Forbes.
With over $3.5 million already earned, Sovereignty is quickly becoming one of the standout horses of his generation. His Kentucky Derby win over favorite Journalism highlighted his potential both on the racetrack and in future breeding endeavors. Jockey Junior Alvarado, who claimed his first Derby win after six attempts, praised the colt’s burst of speed, saying, “I got him in the clear and he showed his stuff.”
Though Sovereignty won’t get the chance to become a Triple Crown legend like American Pharoah or Justify, the Belmont Stakes presents a different opportunity—to solidify his greatness in a race that rewards stamina and strategy. Mott and the Godolphin team are betting on a long-term vision, and if everything goes to plan, Sovereignty may emerge not only as the story of the 2025 season but as one of the sport’s most valuable stars in the years ahead.