It has been a banner year for jockey Junior Alvarado aboard Sovereignty.
After capturing the Kentucky Derby in May in a showdown with Journalism, Saturday's Belmont Stakes at Saratoga proved to be rematch down the homestretch.
Journalism, who closed as a 2-1 favorite, turned for home in the lead at the top of the stretch. That's when Alvarado kicked Sovereignty into gear, as the horse closed with a flurry and captured the Belmont Stakes.
Sovereignty wins an epic renewal of the Belmont Stakes! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/OhjJ02TkyX
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 7, 2025
Sovereignty's ownership group elected to rest the horse at the Preakness so that it would be ready for the Belmont. While racing fans were robbed of a chance to see a Triple Crown horse, the decision paid off as Sovereignty arrived fresh to Saratoga to capture the win.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Sovereignty Wins 2025 Belmont Stakes.
