Sovereignty, winner of Kentucky Derby, skipping Preakness Stakes

Following its 151st Kentucky Derby win on Saturday, Sovereignty had the chance to be the latest horse to win the Triple Crown. However, just three days after winning the run for the roses, he will not be going for that achievement after that.

Per a press release by Pimlico working the Preakness Stakes, Sovereignty will not be competing two weekends from now on May 17th in the 150th Preakness. Their team will instead begin preparing him for the Belmont Stakes. That race will take place on June 7 in New York.

“We received the call today from trainer Bill Mott that Sovereignty will not be competing in the Preakness. Bill informed us they would point toward the Belmont Stakes,” wrote Mike Rogers in the release. “We extend our congratulations to the connections to Sovereignty and respect their decision.”

“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,” Rogers wrote.

This is the third time in five years that the winner of the Kentucky Derby won’t race for the Triple Crown. Rich Strike (2022) and Mandaloun (2021) opted out of the Preakness, while Country House (2019) was scratched due to a sickness. Mystik Dan (2024), Mage (2023), and Authentic (2020) all attempted to run for the Triple Crown, but saw their bids end at the Preakness Stakes. Justify (2018) and American Pharoah (2015) were the last horses to win the Triple Crown since 1978.

Sovereignty won the 151st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs this past weekend in Louisville, which was a record-setting event for Derby viewership. He beat Journalism, the favorite coming in, followed by Baeza and Final Gambit. With a run of 2:02.31 on the sloppy track, Sovereignty won $3.1 million with the win.

Still, despite this decision by those working with Sovereignty, it’s an unfortunate announcement for the sport of horse racing. The Kentucky Derby is its biggest event, but running for the Triple Crown is its top accomplishment.