No Triple Crown Winner for 2025: Sovereignty Bows Out of Preakness Stakes
In a surprising turn of events, horse racing enthusiasts learn there will be no Triple Crown winner in 2025 even before the Preakness Stakes takes place. Sovereignty, the champion of the Kentucky Derby, will not compete in this weekend’s 150th running of the Preakness, following his victory at Churchill Downs.
Upon Sovereignty’s withdrawal, trainer Bill Mott stated, “We want to do what’s best for the horse,” acknowledging the weight of the Triple Crown dream but prioritizing Sovereignty’s health. Mott confirmed plans for the horse to run in the Belmont Stakes instead, the final leg of the esteemed Triple Crown.
The Triple Crown is a series of three prestigious races—Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes—held just weeks apart. A horse must win all three to earn the coveted title. Currently, the Preakness, the second race, takes place on May 17 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, while the Belmont Stakes is scheduled for June 7 at Saratoga Race Course.
Historically, only 13 horses have succeeded in winning the Triple Crown, with the notable last winner being Justify in 2018. The first Triple Crown champion, Sir Barton, achieved the feat in 1919, marking over a century of racing history.
This year’s Belmont Stakes will be slightly shorter, historically measuring 1 ½ miles, reduced to 1 ¼ miles due to renovations at Belmont Park.
As fans eagerly anticipate the Preakness, questions linger about the future of Sovereignty and the ongoing quest for the next Triple Crown champion.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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