Jockey Junior Alvarado celebrated after riding Sovereignty to victory in the 151st Kentucky Derby. Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Big news emerges about Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated May 6, 2025 2:32 PM ET

Big news has been revealed about Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty, and it will come as a disappointment to many.

In a statement released Tuesday, the Preakness confirmed that Sovereignty has chosen not to run in the second leg of the Triple Crown. Trainer Bill Mott decided instead to focus on preparing Sovereignty for the Belmont Stakes.

The decision not to run Sovereignty in the Preakness means there will be no chance of a Triple Crown winner this year.

#KyDerby winner Sovereignty skipping the #Preakness, pointing to the #BelmontStakes pic.twitter.com/6U3PY6ElI9
— Nicole Russo (@DRFRusso) May 6, 2025

This is not unprecedented, as some owners opt to skip the Preakness and challenge for the Belmont instead, even after winning at Churchill Downs. 2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike is the most recent horse to skip the Preakness after winning the first leg of the Triple Crown. The owners of 2024 winner Mystik Dan considered doing the same, but the horse did ultimately run the Preakness and finished second.

Justify is the most recent horse to win the Triple Crown, having done so in 2018. That streak will continue for at least another year.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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