To honor an exceptional year in horse racing across the New York Racing Association (NYRA) circuit, the NYRA News Department spoke with trainers, owners, jockeys, and prominent figures in the racing community to reflect on the standout moments of the year.
Godolphin’s Kentucky mare Sovereignty showcased her talent at Saratoga Race Course this summer with jockey Junior Alvarado, claiming victories in the G1 Belmont Stakes hosted by NYRA Betts, the G2 Jim Dandy hosted by Mohegan Sun, and the G1 DraftKings Travers, all under the guidance of Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. Notably, Sovereignty secured Kentucky’s G1 title, a race held at Churchill Downs every May.
The Belmont Stakes featured a thrilling rematch between Sovereignty and Journalism, the G1 Preakness winner and Kentucky Derby runner-up, with the pair finishing first and second again, while Baeza, who placed third in the Derby, held third once more. Sovereignty then dominated Baeza at the Jim Dandy and went on to win the Travers by an impressive 10 lengths, delivering Bill Mott a long-sought victory in this prestigious Spa event.
As progeny of Into Mischief dominated the sophomore division this summer, Saratoga’s race announcer Frank Mirahamady narrated the drama. Mirahamady, who began his role as the voice of Spa broadcasts on Fox in 2023 and also works full-time at Santa Anita Park, attended the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga for the first time last year, describing himself foremost as a horse racing enthusiast.
A Southern California native, Mirahamady’s passion for racing began during childhood visits to Hollywood Park and Santa Anita. His talent for mimicking celebrities and fellow announcers led to his debut call at Hollywood Park in 1992, and since then, he has announced at many major tracks including Aqueduct, Monmouth Park, and Oaklawn Park.
Miramady shared his thoughts on Sovereignty’s unforgettable triple victories at Saratoga and what it was like to witness these moments up close.
When asked about hosting the Belmont Stakes again at Saratoga, Mirahamady expressed excitement about reliving a defining race experience. He recalled how the race showcased a fierce competition, especially when Sovereignty surged back from a momentary setback to decisively defeat Journalism, describing it as a thrilling and adrenaline-filled moment that highlighted Sovereignty’s dominance.
He also reflected on the point during the race when he felt confident in calling Sovereignty “the best 3-year-old horse in the world,” a sentiment that took shape only after observing the mare’s strong finish. At the Jim Dandy, despite falling behind initially, Sovereignty’s comeback underlined her class and versatility, proving that exceptional quality prevails over distance challenges.
Miramady described Sovereignty’s Travers win as a stunning display of power and speed, remarking that it was less a race and more a graceful exhibition of greatness.
He celebrated Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott’s first Travers victory as a significant milestone, acknowledging Mott’s enduring excellence and the special nature of the event.
When asked to pick his favorite of Sovereignty’s New York wins, Mirahamady chose the Belmont Stakes, appreciating the historic significance and drama of calling the race live on Fox Sports. He admired the competitive spirit displayed, especially between Sovereignty and Journalism.
Discussing Sovereignty’s place among great horses he’s called, Mirahamady rated her alongside legends like American Pharoah and Tiznow, praising her exceptional skill and performance. He shared how rewarding it is to be the sole announcer for such memorable races and the joy he finds in celebrating top horses.
Looking forward to future Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, Mirahamady described the opportunity as a privilege and a thrilling prospect, expressing enthusiasm about the exciting future laid out in the upcoming racing schedule.
This article originally appeared in the Paulick Report on December 30, 2025.
Fan Take: Sovereignty’s dominant performances and Bill Mott’s milestone victory mark a thrilling chapter in horse racing, highlighting the sport’s blend of tradition and emerging talent. For fans, these moments not only celebrate excellence but also promise an exciting future where legendary horses and passionate storytelling continue to elevate the sport’s appeal.
