Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Sovereignty will skip the Preakness Stakes (G1) and instead be pointed to the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 7.
The decision came Tuesday and puts an end to any chance of a Triple Crown, racing’s most prized accomplishment.
The 1 3/1`6-mile Preakness, which comes just two weeks after a grueling 1 ¼-mile Derby, will be without the Kentucky Derby winner for the second time in five years (Rich Strike in 2022), and third time since 2019, when coincidentally, Sovereignty’s trainer Bill Mott’s Country House did not run in the second leg of the Triple Crown.
“We received a call today from trainer Bill Mott that Sovereignty will not be competing in the Preakness,” said Mike Rogers, the executive vice president of 1/ST Racing. “Bill informed us they would point toward the Belmont Stakes.”
The field for the Preakness on May 17 now shapes up like this: Journalism remains possible – a decision could come at any time; American Promise, Rodriguez, River Thames, Clever Again, Grosger, Heart of Honor, and Pay Billy.
Sovereignty won the Kentucky Derby by 1 ¼ lengths over favorite Journalism on May 3 at Churchill Downs, immediately after the race. Mott said he’d have to wait a few days before deciding whether the Preakness Stakes fit well.
On Monday, Michael Banahan, the director of bloodstock for Sovereignty’s owner, Godolphin Racing, said: We fully respect what the Triple Crown means for the industry, for racing in America. Most importantly, the decision will be made to do what’s best for the horse.’’
Mott, a Hall of Fame trainer, said after the Derby that the spacing between the Triple Crown races–three races over five weeks at three different tracks–may just be too much for most horses these days.
“Over the years, people have realized that spacing these horses out a little bit gives you the opportunity to make them last a little longer,” said Mott. “We’re looking at a career, and you want the career to last more than five weeks.”
The Belmont, usually run at 1 ½ miles and known as the “Test of the Champion,’’ will be run at 1 ¼ miles at Saratoga as Belmont Park is being rebuilt. Mott said the shorter distance is an appealing option.
“We extend our congratulations to the connections of Sovereignty and respect their decision,” said Rogers. “We continue to see the excitement building toward the milestone celebration of the 150th Preakness Stakes, and we look forward to an incredible weekend of world-class racing and entertainment.”
