Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby winner, will not participate in the 2025 Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown.
According to The Courier-Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, Preakness officials announced Sovereignty would not compete at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 17.
Sovereignty was the 8-5 favorite leading up to the confirmed field for the Preakness and was obviously expected to be a strong contender. According to The Courier-Journal, Bill Mott, Sovereignty’s trainer, did not provide a reason for the decision to withdraw from the upcoming race. However, he did confirm Sovereignty’s return for the Belmont Stakes, the final race of the Triple Crown, which will take place on June 7 at Saratoga.
When is the 2025 Preakness Stakes?
The 2025 Preakness Stakes, also known as the Middle Jewel, will be held at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, May 17.
The Preakness is the second leg of the Triple Crown, with the Belmont Stakes being the final race.
When is the 2025 Preakness Stakes Draw?
The 2025 Preakness Stakes Post Position draw is set for Monday, May 12, at 6 p.m. ET. The post position draw determines where the horses will start from.