Sovereignty beats Journalism to win the Belmont Stakes

The rematch between Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty and Preakness Stakes winner Journalism played out the way many hoped to see in the homestretch of the 157th running of the Belmont Stakes.

The two thoroughbreds battled head-to-head toward the finish line. But the outcome was the same as a month ago at Churchill Downs — with Sovereignty pulling away from Journalism to win two of the three Triple Crown legs.

“With the performance that we saw today, I feel it was justified coming here,” said Michael Banahan, the director of bloodstock for Sovereignty’s owner Godolphin.

Banahan was referring to the decision with trainer Bill Mott to have Sovereignty bypass the Preakness Stakes, and head straight to Saratoga for the Belmont Stakes. 

“I think you’ve got to be man enough to stand up to the decision that you made, and then if it’s wrong, you bite the bullet,” Mott said. “And in this case, I don’t think it was wrong. I think it was the right thing.”

The Belmont Stakes was a bit of Deja vu — with the race finishing in the same order as the Kentucky Derby. Sovereignty pulled away from Journalism who finished second, and Baeza third, in front of 46,243 fans at Saratoga Race Course.

“I turned for home. Make sure I follow him a little bit and put him in the clear again,” said jockey Junior Alvarado. “And just like he did in the Derby, he just went by it again, and today he was very exceptional today.”

This was Alvarado’s first Belmont Stakes win and second for Mott. 

The morning started with heavy rain and a sloppy track. Two Grade 1 Stakes on the turf, the Jaipur and the Manhattan, were postponed so Sunday due to the rain. By post-time on the main dirt track, it was upgraded to fast.

“It worked out. The horse was good. Junior rode him well. He had a lot of confidence in him,” Mott said. “And when he cut him loose, the horse responded, and you got the job done.”