Kentucky Derby Champion Sovereignty Withdraws from Preakness Stakes: Triple Crown Hopes Dashed

Sovereignty, the recent Kentucky Derby winner, will not compete in the upcoming Preakness Stakes, missing out on a chance for the Triple Crown. Trainer Bill Mott confirmed the decision, indicating they will instead focus on preparing for the Belmont Stakes.

In a statement, Mike Rogers, executive vice president of 1/ST, expressed support for the choice. He congratulated Sovereignty’s team and acknowledged the importance of their decision.

Sovereignty clinched the 151st Kentucky Derby with odds of 7-1, crossing the finish line 1 ½ lengths ahead of the favorite, Journalism. This victory marked Mott’s second Derby win; he previously won in 2019 with Country House.

After the Derby, Michael Banahan from Godolphin emphasized the importance of Mott’s expertise, noting that the trainer’s past achievements warrant trust in his judgment. He pointed out how closely Sovereignty pushed himself during the race, especially as a closer.

Interestingly, this Derby win was not only a milestone for Mott but also a first for both Godolphin as an ownership group and jockey Junior Alvarado, who had previously faced five losses in Derby races. Sovereignty earned an impressive $3.1 million with this win, a testament to his extraordinary performance.

Looking ahead, the Preakness Stakes will be held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, followed by the Belmont Stakes on June 7 at Saratoga Race Course in New York. In horse racing, scheduling and recovery are vital; trainers often take into account a horse’s performance and fitness before making decisions.

This decision to skip the Preakness reflects a broader trend in horse racing where trainers prioritize the long-term health of their athletes. Recent statistics show that horses that forgo certain races often perform better in later competitions, highlighting the significance of strategic planning in racing careers.

For further insights, you might explore this report on horse racing trends from a trusted source, which discusses how the management decisions of trainers impact not just a single race, but a horse’s entire career trajectory.

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