Is Sovereignty Running in the Preakness? 2025 Triple Crown Update

The weeks between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes are always filled with anticipation, especially when the Derby winner has a shot at the Triple Crown. If you’re searching for answers to "is sovereignty running in the Preakness," you’re not alone. Sovereignty stunned fans with a strong finish in the Kentucky Derby, but his status for the Preakness has prompted much discussion. Here’s what you need to know about Sovereignty, his team’s decision, and the impact on the 2025 Triple Crown.

Why the Question: Is Sovereignty Running in the Preakness?

Sovereignty’s victory at the 2025 Kentucky Derby immediately raised hopes for a Triple Crown bid. However, only a few days after his Derby win, his owners and trainer Bill Mott announced he would not compete in the Preakness Stakes. This was confirmed by statements reported in major outlets. Instead, Sovereignty’s connections decided to rest the colt and point to the Belmont Stakes.

This move sparked debate within the racing community. Fans and analysts wanted to know why Sovereignty would bypass a chance at history. After all, the Preakness is the second jewel of the Triple Crown. The decision, according to Mott, was based on the horse’s well-being and the concern that the fast two-week turnaround could be too demanding for modern thoroughbreds.

The Impact of Sovereignty Skipping the Preakness

With Sovereignty skipping the Preakness, there is no Triple Crown on the line this year. This has several significant consequences. First, the field opens up for other contenders, like Journalism, who finished second in the Derby and came back strong to win the Preakness. As ESPN details, Journalism secured a memorable victory in Sovereignty’s absence, adding excitement but ending hopes for a Triple Crown sweep this season.

Secondly, ratings and fan interest often dip when a Triple Crown bid is not at stake. As Yahoo Sports reports, NBC and advertisers usually see millions fewer viewers when the Derby winner skips the Preakness. This results not just from disappointed fans but also from the loss of the unique drama that comes with a possible sweep of all three historic races.

Why Are Derby Winners Skipping the Preakness?

The trend of Derby winners skipping the Preakness is not new but has become more common in recent years. Owners and trainers now prioritize the health of their horses over tradition. The modern view is that the two-week interval between the Derby and the Preakness is too short for proper recovery. As horse racing insiders have stated, today’s breeding and racing schedules produce less robust horses than in past decades.

Yahoo Sports notes that some industry voices are calling for an expansion of the Triple Crown schedule, giving horses more recovery time between races. This could help keep more of the top Derby contenders in the Preakness and maintain the drama that excites fans and drives television ratings.

Who Benefited from Sovereignty’s Absence?

In Sovereignty’s absence, Journalism became the odds-on favorite and made the most of it, winning the Preakness with a late charge. NBC News provides a detailed race summary and analysis, highlighting how Journalism overcame late adversity to secure the victory. Other horses like Gosger and Sandman filled out the top spots, adding a new layer of intrigue to the crop of three-year-olds aiming for year-end honors.

What’s Next for Sovereignty and the Triple Crown?

For those still following Sovereignty, attention now shifts to the Belmont Stakes. With more rest, the Kentucky Derby champion is expected to return to competition, vying for another classic win. While there won’t be a Triple Crown on the line, the Belmont is still a prestigious event that could further cement Sovereignty’s reputation in the 2025 racing season.

Conclusion

So, is Sovereignty running in the Preakness? The answer for 2025 is no. His connections opted to skip the Preakness, focusing on the horse’s health and targeting the Belmont Stakes instead. While this ended the dream of a Triple Crown this year, it opened up new storylines, including Journalism’s thrilling Preakness victory. Fans can look forward to seeing these top horses compete again soon, as the debate over the Triple Crown calendar and the well-being of racehorses continues. For a full recap of the Preakness Stakes and more horse racing news, visit ESPN’s coverage or check out NBC News's race-day highlights.