Kentucky Derby Winner Skips Preakness, Sparking Racing Debate

Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty will skip the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, and instead likely compete in the Belmont Stakes, continuing a recent trend of Derby winners bypassing the Preakness. This marks the fifth time in seven years that the Preakness has been run without a chance for a Triple Crown winner, a notable shift from previous decades when Derby winners routinely competed in all three races. Changes in horse racing, including breeding, financial incentives, and concerns over horse welfare, have led trainers to give their top 3-year-old horses longer rest periods between races. Trainer Bill Mott emphasized prioritizing the horse's well-being over tradition, reflecting a broader industry debate about the demanding schedule of the Triple Crown series. Despite a slight drop in attendance due to weather, the Kentucky Derby saw record betting handle and TV viewership, indicating sustained public interest in the sport. These developments underscore evolving strategies in horse racing and the ongoing challenge of balancing tradition with modern concerns.