Sovereignty: 2025 Horse of the Year!!!

Eclipse (1 April 1764 – 26 February 1789) was an undefeated 18th-century British Thoroughbred racehorse

Sovereignty gained 2025 Eclipse Horse of the Year honors. Here is one in which I am in full agreement. Throughout his career, Sovereignty was ridden by Junior Alvarado and trained by Bill Mott. The horse was an immaculate strider in blue silks on the course, winning two legs of the Triple Crown in 2025 with strong stretch running style.  

The horse also captured the Fountain of Youth Stakes, and the Jim Dandy Stakes. His record includes victory in the 2025 Travers – it’s been a long time [2007] since a Derby Winner followed up with a Travers win. And the company for the Derby-Travers Double is rare, including such as Aristides, Gallant Fox, Whirlaway, Thunder Gulch and Street Sense.

The consistency in outings - 5-for-6 in 2025 - positioned Sovereignty favorably for the end of the year Breeders Cup Classic. Alas, he caught a slight fever and was withdrawn from the contest, and retired. The horse evoked some controversy, in passing on the Preakness Stakes while returning for the 1 1/4 mile Belmont Stakes at Saratoga. 

Shunning an attempt to complete the Triple Crown was the rub. This is one of the most distinct pieces of evidence yet that classic crown sequence is out of step with today’s usual training cycle. 

The consistency at the top level is seldom seen - and this punter was made glad when Sovereignty in his corner. - B.B.

See Sovereignty win Travers Stakes at Saratoga - August 2025