Connections confirm Sovereignty will not take part in Preakness Stakes

A bid for Triple Crown glory is off the cards for Sovereignty, after connections confirmed the Kentucky Derby hero will not line up in the Preakness Stakes.

Bill Mott’s colt came out on top after a thrilling tussle with hot favourite Journalism at Churchill Downs on Saturday, providing Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin operation with an elusive first victory in the “The Run For The Roses”.

However, Mike Rogers, executive VP of 1/ST Racing, which operates the Preakness, said in a statement: “We received a call today from trainer Bill Mott that Sovereignty will not be competing in the Preakness.

“We extend our congratulations to the connections of Sovereignty and respect their decision.”

Sovereignty’s planned absence means the Preakness will take place at Pimlico on Saturday week without a true shot at the Triple Crown for the fifth time since Justify etched his name into racing history by becoming the 13th horse to land the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes in 2018.

It is understood Sovereignty could run in the Belmont, which takes place at Saratoga on June 7.