Reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty will not compete in the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup, according to the Daily Racing Form. The Godolphin-bred horse has missed two training sessions due to a hoof abscess. Trainer Bill Mott shared with DRF that he hopes Sovereignty can resume training next week to prepare for the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland on October 31.
There is a possibility that Mott might redirect either 2025 Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby winner Baeza or 2026 Birdstone Stakes winner Stars and Stripes to run in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. Baeza, who was initially aimed at the Grade 1 Goodwood Stakes at Santa Anita on September 26, is scheduled to work out on Saturday at Saratoga, according to DRF.
Last year, after Sovereignty’s victory in the Grade 1 Travers Stakes, he trained for the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar but was withdrawn as the 6-5 morning line favorite due to a fever. The 2025 Travers to Breeders’ Cup gap was 10 weeks, while this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic will take place 12 weeks after the Whitney Stakes.
Sovereignty has made three starts this year. He lost his first two races in the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap and the Grade 1 Stephen Foster before winning the Grade 1 Whitney Stakes by 4 ¾ lengths on August 8. He has completed two four-furlong workout sessions on August 21 and August 28.
For more details, visit drf.com.
This report was first published by Paulick Report on September 11, 2026, in their News section. You can add Paulick Report as a preferred source by clicking here.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for horse racing enthusiasts as Sovereignty’s health and racing schedule could significantly influence the dynamics leading up to the Breeders’ Cup Classic. The potential absence of such a dominant contender in a major prep race also opens opportunities for other rising stars, promising an exciting atmosphere for the sport’s future.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
