In a year that will be etched in horse racing history, Sovereignty, the remarkable 3-year-old bay colt, shattered a 30-year drought to become the first horse since Thunder Gulch in 1995 to claim the prestigious triple crown of the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and Travers Stakes in a single season. Ridden by the skilled Venezuelan jockey Junior Alvarado and trained by the legendary Bill Mott, Sovereignty’s journey through the 2025 racing season has been nothing short of extraordinary, captivating fans and rewriting the record books with a series of performances that left the racing world in awe.

The saga began on a rainy May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs, where Sovereignty defied expectations on a sloppy track to win the 151st Kentucky Derby. Entering the race with 9-1 odds, he was not the favorite, with that honor going to Journalism, a colt on a four-race winning streak. Yet, Sovereignty’s strategic run, orchestrated by Alvarado, saw him surge from the back of the pack to overtake Journalism in the final stretch, crossing the finish line 1 ½ lengths ahead in a time of 2:02.31. The victory marked Alvarado’s first Kentucky Derby win and Mott’s second, following a controversial 2019 win with Country House via disqualification. “This one got there the right way,” Mott remarked, reflecting on the clean triumph that electrified the 147,406 fans in attendance.

Sovereignty’s connections, led by Godolphin and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, made the bold decision to skip the Preakness Stakes, a move that raised eyebrows but proved prescient. Journalism went on to win the Preakness, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch at the Belmont Stakes on June 7. Held at Saratoga Race Course due to renovations at Belmont Park, the 157th Belmont Stakes saw Sovereignty and Journalism once again dominate the field. In a near repeat of the Derby, Sovereignty, at 5-2 odds, powered past the 2-1 favorite Journalism to win by three lengths, with Baeza taking third, mirroring the Derby’s top three. This victory made Sovereignty the first horse to win both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes while skipping the Preakness, a feat that sparked debates about his potential as a Triple Crown contender had he run in Baltimore.

The culmination of Sovereignty’s historic campaign came on August 24 at Saratoga, where he entered the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers Stakes as the 1-4 favorite. Facing a compact field of five, Sovereignty showcased his dominance with a patient, wide-running trip under Alvarado’s steady guidance. He overtook the pacesetters with ease, crossing the finish line to claim the Man o’ War Cup and become the first horse since Thunder Gulch to complete the Derby-Belmont-Travers trifecta. “This is the horse of a lifetime,” Alvarado said, crediting Godolphin and Mott for their trust. The win boosted Sovereignty’s earnings to over $5.8 million and solidified his rivalry with Journalism, who again finished second.

The racing community and fans were left stunned by Sovereignty’s achievements, not only for their rarity but also for the symbolic weight carried by his name. Social media buzzed with reactions, particularly from those who saw his victories over Journalism as a metaphor for broader cultural narratives. Posts on X captured the fervor, with one user proclaiming, “Sovereignty would be the first horse to win the @KentuckyDerby, @BelmontStakes, Jim Dandy, and Travers in a season. Ever.” The “PICK” reaction—shorthand for the public’s betting picks—saw bettors who backed Sovereignty reap significant rewards, with payouts of $17.96 to win in the Derby and $2.60 in the Travers. However, controversy shadowed the Derby win, as Alvarado faced a $62,000 fine and a two-day suspension for striking Sovereignty eight times with his riding crop, two over the limit set by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. Alvarado, denying abuse, appealed the decision, but it did little to dim the shine of Sovereignty’s accomplishments.

Sovereignty’s 2025 campaign has redefined what’s possible in modern horse racing. His ability to navigate challenging conditions, from muddy tracks to high-pressure rivalries, has drawn comparisons to legends like Secretariat, a distant ancestor. As Mott and Godolphin eye the Breeders’ Cup Classic in November, fans are left wondering if Sovereignty’s reign will continue to break records and capture hearts. For now, his triple triumph stands as a testament to resilience, strategy, and the enduring magic of the sport.