why is sovereignty not running in the preakness 2025, The 2025 Preakness Stakes, a cornerstone of the Triple Crown, has sparked widespread discussion among horse racing fans, especially regarding one burning question: Is Sovereignty running in the Preakness 2025? The answer, unfortunately for those hoping for a Triple Crown contender, is no. Sovereignty, the 2025 Kentucky Derby champion, will not compete in the Preakness Stakes, ending any chance of achieving the coveted Triple Crown this year.
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This decision has left fans and analysts curious about why Sovereignty is not running in the Preakness and what factors influenced this choice. Let’s dive into the reasons behind this move, its implications for the sport, and what lies ahead for this remarkable horse.
Sovereignty’s Kentucky Derby Triumph
Sovereignty captured hearts with a stunning victory at the 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs. Overcoming a muddy track and a competitive field, the three-year-old colt, trained by Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, surged past the favorite, Journalism, to win by 1 ½ lengths. This triumph, Sovereignty’s second graded-stakes win, solidified his status as a top contender in thoroughbred racing.
Naturally, fans began to wonder, Is Sovereignty running in the Preakness 2025? The expectation was that the Derby winner would chase the Triple Crown’s second leg at Pimlico Race Course on May 17. However, Mott and Sovereignty’s team had other plans.
Why Is Sovereignty Not Running in the Preakness?
The decision for Sovereignty not to run in the Preakness Stakes stems from a focus on the horse’s long-term health and career. Trainer Bill Mott, in discussions with Godolphin’s U.S. director of bloodstock, Michael Banahan, emphasized doing “what’s best for the horse.” Here are the key reasons why Sovereignty is not running in the Preakness:
1. Physical Demands of the Triple Crown Schedule
The Triple Crown’s grueling schedule three high-stakes races in five weeks—places immense strain on horses. Sovereignty competed in three demanding races since March 2025: the Fountain of Youth Stakes, the Florida Derby, and the Kentucky Derby. Banahan noted that these races “take a lot out of these horses.” The two-week turnaround between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness is particularly challenging, and Mott opted to skip the Preakness to avoid overexerting Sovereignty. This decision reflects a growing trend in modern racing, where trainers prioritize spacing out races to preserve a horse’s condition.
2. Minor Injury Concerns
Post-Derby, Mott observed a minor scrape on Sovereignty’s right front pastern, likely from a gate incident during the Kentucky Derby. While not serious, this scrape raised caution. Mott remarked that on a “normal day,” it wouldn’t be a concern, but for a horse of Sovereignty’s caliber, even small issues warrant careful consideration. This minor injury likely contributed to the decision for Sovereignty not to run in the Preakness, ensuring the colt has time to heal fully before his next race.
3. Focus on the Belmont Stakes
Instead of competing in the Preakness, Sovereignty’s team is targeting the Belmont Stakes on June 7, 2025, at Saratoga Race Course. The Belmont, the Triple Crown’s final leg, offers a longer recovery period and aligns with Mott’s strategy of spacing out races. Mott’s decision underscores a long-term vision for Sovereignty’s career, aiming to keep the horse competitive beyond the Triple Crown season. Fans asking, Is Sovereignty running in the Preakness 2025? may be disappointed, but the Belmont presents an exciting opportunity for the Derby winner to shine again.
4. Evolving Trends in Horse Racing
The choice for Sovereignty not to run in the Preakness reflects broader changes in horse racing. From 1997 to 2018, every Kentucky Derby winner competed in the Preakness, but recent years have seen a shift. Sovereignty is the fourth Derby winner in the past seven seasons to skip the Preakness, following horses like Rich Strike (2022) and Country House (2019). Modern training prioritizes longevity over the intense Triple Crown schedule, as owners and trainers focus on breeding and sustained careers. This trend has sparked debates about restructuring the Triple Crown to allow more recovery time between races.
Implications of Sovereignty’s Absence
Sovereignty not running in the Preakness has significant implications for the 2025 Triple Crown. For the seventh consecutive year, there will be no Triple Crown winner, as only a Kentucky Derby victor can achieve this feat by winning the Preakness and Belmont. The Preakness Stakes, known as the “Middle Jewel,” loses some of its allure without Sovereignty, as fans miss out on the drama of a potential Triple Crown chase. Journalism, the Kentucky Derby runner-up, now emerges as the 8-5 favorite, but the field lacks the star power Sovereignty would have brought.
The decision has also reignited discussions about the Triple Crown’s relevance. Prominent owner Mike Repole proposed moving the Belmont Stakes to the second leg and pushing the Preakness later to encourage participation from top horses. He argued that the two-week gap between the Derby and Preakness is outdated, stating, “The Preakness being run two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, in this new day and age in racing, shows the lack of vision and leadership needed to evolve this sport.” Sovereignty’s absence amplifies these calls for change, as fans question why elite horses like Sovereignty are not running in the Preakness.
What’s Next for Sovereignty?
While Sovereignty is not running in the Preakness, the colt’s future looks bright. Mott’s plan to enter Sovereignty in the Belmont Stakes positions the horse for a potential second Triple Crown victory. The Belmont’s 1 ½-mile distance suits Sovereignty’s closing style, as demonstrated in the Kentucky Derby. A strong performance could further cement Sovereignty’s legacy and boost his value as a future breeding stallion for Godolphin.
Beyond the Belmont, Sovereignty’s team is likely eyeing prestigious races like the Travers Stakes or the Breeders’ Cup Classic later in 2025. By skipping the Preakness, Mott ensures Sovereignty remains in peak condition for these high-profile events, potentially extending his career into his four-year-old season.
Fan Reactions and Sentiment
The news that Sovereignty is not running in the Preakness has elicited mixed reactions. Social media posts reflect disappointment, with some fans lamenting the lack of a Triple Crown contender. One user wrote, “Sovereignty not running in the Preakness sucks for horse racing,” highlighting the event’s diminished excitement. Others, however, support Mott’s decision, appreciating the focus on the horse’s welfare. The debate underscores the tension between tradition and modern racing practices, as fans grapple with why Sovereignty is not running in the Preakness.
Conclusion
The question Is Sovereignty running in the Preakness 2025? has a clear answer: no. Trainer Bill Mott’s decision to prioritize Sovereignty’s health and long-term career over the Preakness Stakes reflects a strategic approach to modern horse racing. While fans may be disappointed by Sovereignty not running in the Preakness, the move ensures the Kentucky Derby champion can continue to compete at the highest level.
As Sovereignty prepares for the Belmont Stakes, the racing world eagerly awaits his next chapter. This decision also prompts broader questions about the Triple Crown’s future, urging the sport to adapt to evolving priorities. For now, Sovereignty’s absence from the Preakness is a reminder that sometimes, the best choice for a champion is to rest, recover, and return stronger.