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What the season lacked in a clean sweep, it made up for with a gripping rivalry: Sovereignty vs Journalism.

At the $2 million Belmont Stakes held at Saratoga Race Course—temporarily replacing Belmont Park during renovations—Sovereignty once again edged out Journalism in the final stretch.

With a commanding three-length victory, Sovereignty became the 52nd horse to win two out of the three Triple Crown legs, having previously triumphed in the Kentucky Derby.

“What if Sovereignty had run in the Preakness? Could he have been the 14th Triple Crown winner in history?” 

That’s the question buzzing across social media.

Sovereignty skipped the Preakness Stakes, a decision made by trainer Bill Mott, who opted to rest and prepare his star colt for a strong finish at Belmont.

This year’s Belmont was shortened to 1¼ miles (from the usual 1½ miles) due to Saratoga’s technical limitations. Yet, the prestige and pressure of the race remained sky-high.

As expected, Rodriguez took the early lead, followed closely by Crudo. In the second half, Journalism and Sovereignty closed the gap.
On the home stretch, Journalism briefly pulled ahead—only to be overtaken in the final 200 meters by Sovereignty’s late surge.

The final results echoed those of the Kentucky Derby: Sovereignty first, Journalism second, and Baeza in third.

Sovereignty became the first horse in 22 years to skip the Preakness and still win the Belmont—a feat last achieved by Justify in 2018.

It also marked the first Belmont Stakes victory for jockey Junior Alvarado, who had earlier earned his first-ever Derby win this year.

Michael McCarthy, trainer of Journalism, showed grace in defeat.
“Sovereignty is an incredible horse. With enough rest, he’s lethal. Journalism also ran a phenomenal race, especially after three back-to-back high-stakes starts,” he said.

Despite a stumble at the start, jockey Umberto Rispoli refused to use it as an excuse.

“He still gave it his all. Sovereignty had five weeks of rest—he was the fresher horse. But no regrets. He earned it,” Rispoli said.

It may not yet rival the likes of Affirmed vs Alydar, or sports duels like Lakers vs Celtics, but Sovereignty vs Journalism has sparked fresh excitement in the world of horse racing.

Their rivalry could help reignite passion among fans across the U.S.
“It’s been a remarkable season—and we’re ready to meet again on the track,” said McCarthy with confidence.