In a thrilling rematch at the 157th Belmont Stakes, Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby winner, claimed victory over Journalism in muddy conditions at Saratoga Springs, New York. The victory in the third leg of the Triple Crown cemented Sovereignty’s place in history, marking a historic achievement for the 3-year-old bay colt.
Sovereignty’s Historic Victory
Sovereignty, who entered the race with 2-to-1 odds, triumphed over a field of seven challengers, winning the race in 2 minutes, 0.69 seconds. The colt beat Journalism by three lengths, replicating the 1-2-3 finish from the Kentucky Derby, with Journalism finishing second once again and Baeza placing third.
This victory makes Sovereignty the first horse ever to win the Kentucky Derby, skip the Preakness Stakes, and then take the Belmont Stakes. The last horse to achieve such a feat—winning both the Derby and the Belmont without racing in the Preakness—was Thunder Gulch in 1995.
A Replay of the Derby
The race was a replay of the Kentucky Derby in many ways, with Sovereignty continuing its strong form. Journalism, who had won the Preakness Stakes, came into the Belmont Stakes as the heavy favorite. Despite the muddy conditions, Journalism was unable to match Sovereignty’s finishing kick.
Journalism was the only horse to compete in all three legs of the Triple Crown this year, but Sovereignty’s absence from the Preakness didn’t seem to hinder its performance, proving the decision to skip the race was the right one.
The Jockey and Connections
Sovereignty is owned by Godolphin, the racing stable of Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and trained by Bill Mott. Jockey Junior Alvarado, who rode Sovereignty to victory in the Derby, was again aboard the colt for the Belmont Stakes.
Despite a fine and suspension in Kentucky for allegedly using his riding crop excessively during the Derby, Alvarado remains an integral part of Sovereignty’s success and is appealing the ruling.
Changes to the Belmont Stakes
This year’s Belmont Stakes was held for the second consecutive time at the historic Saratoga Race Course in upstate New York. Belmont Park, located on Long Island, is undergoing significant renovations, which led to the temporary relocation of the race.
The change in venue also meant a slight adjustment in the race’s length: instead of the usual 1 1/2 miles, the Belmont Stakes this year was run at 1 1/4 miles, the same length as the Kentucky Derby.