Belmont Stakes 2025 Recap: Sovereignty Triumphs Over Journalism in Thrilling Rematch of Kentucky Derby and Preakness Champions!

Table of Contents

After watching the 2025 Belmont Stakes, it’s clear that Sovereignty’s win at the Kentucky Derby wasn’t just a one-time event. He once again outpaced the favorite, Journalism, to win the third leg of the Triple Crown. Sovereignty surged forward in the second half of the race, sealing his victory by several lengths. This win earned his team $1.2 million from the $2 million total purse, with Journalism earning $360,000 and Baeza taking home $200,000.

Interestingly, these three horses finished in the same order at the Kentucky Derby last month. If bettors had placed a correct $1 exacta, they would have received $6.60; a trifecta would have paid $13.80, and a superfecta would have returned $40.50.

This marks the first time since Justify won the Triple Crown in 2018 that a single horse has clinched two of the three races. Notably, Sovereignty did not run in the Preakness Stakes, which Journalism won in a thrilling display, leading to an exciting matchup at Saratoga Race Course.

Trainer Bill Mott opted for extra preparation instead of a quick turnaround to the Preakness. This decision leaves racing fans wondering: would Sovereignty have won that race too? It’s a significant "what-if" in horse racing lore.

While Sovereignty is not the first Derby winner to skip the Preakness, he’s the first to win both the Derby and Belmont without competing in the middle race. This extra rest seemed to benefit Sovereignty, as he delivered the performance his team had hoped for.

In this race, a trio of longshots took an early lead, but Journalism surged from the outside, much like he did in the Derby. However, Sovereignty was right behind him, gaining speed down the stretch.

Looking at the recent trends in horse racing, it’s worth noting that experts suggest that careful pacing and training can significantly impact performance in such high-stakes races. A survey from the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture highlighted that a well-rested horse has a 30% greater chance of winning major competitions compared to those racing back-to-back.

In summary, Sovereignty’s journey continues to captivate fans and analysts alike, reminding everyone that every race tells a unique story shaped by strategy, skill, and sometimes, a bit of luck.