Sovereignty Wins 157th Belmont Stakes in Saratoga

Sovereignty secured victory at the 157th Belmont Stakes held at Saratoga Race Course, marking the third leg of the Triple Crown and defeating Journalism, who had won the Preakness and was the only horse to run all three races this year. Despite skipping the Preakness to allow a longer recovery time, Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby winner, proved his endurance and adaptability on the muddy track, showcasing his pedigree for longer distances and tough conditions. The Belmont Stakes took place for the second consecutive year at Saratoga due to ongoing renovations at Belmont Park. Journalism finished second, while Baeza, who was third in the Derby, also competed. The race conditions were challenging with rain, but they favored Sovereignty’s running style, contributing to his triumph and a $2 million cash prize for his team. This victory ends the Triple Crown bid for Journalism and highlights Sovereignty's rising prominence in horse racing.