Sovereignty makes most of his second chance to win 2026 Breeders' Cup Classic
Bill Mott was in a much different position this time last year.
In a remarkable turnaround, trainer Bill Mott's horse Sovereignty secured victory at the 2026 Breeders' Cup Classic, marking his second chance to win after initially being scratched due to a fever. The 2025 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner overcame a left hind foot abscess that had forced him to miss training. Despite a deep field of seven horses, including Golden Tempo and Napoleon Solo, Sovereignty held off the competition to claim the $7 million purse, finishing in an impressive 2:00.36.
Jockey Junior Alvarado expertly guided Sovereignty around the race track, making a crucial move around the far turn to take on the leading Knightsbridge. The race, featuring the smallest field in Breeders' Cup history, saw Sovereignty beat out Golden Tempo, Napoleon Solo, and defending champion Forever Young. Post-race, Mott expressed his delight at the opportunity Sovereignty provided, calling him a "real classic runner."
The victorious horse, set to retire as a stud, will be transported to Darley’s Jonabell Farm in Lexington.
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