Sovereignty triumphs in Belmont; Ruling Court misses Epsom Derby

It was a weekend of soaring highs and unexpected disappointment for the Dubai-owned racing powerhouse, Godolphin — a transatlantic rollercoaster that showcased both their equine riches and the unpredictability of the sport.

- Leslie Wilson Jr

In the United States, their star three-year-old Sovereignty confirmed his dominance with an emphatic victory in the G1 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga while just hours earlier and across the Atlantic, Ruling Court was dramatically withdrawn from the Epsom Derby due to deteriorating ground conditions.

Unfazed by the contrasting fortunes, Sovereignty rose to the occasion in Saratoga. Ridden by Junior Alvarado, he delivered another masterclass to stamp his authority as North America’s top colt, defeating Journalism — his familiar rival from the Kentucky Derby — with a commanding three-length victory.

A length and a half had separated the duo at Churchill Downs last month in which Sovereignty unleashed a powerful stretch run on a wet track to provide Godolphin with a landmark first success in the Run for the Roses.

On a faster surface this time, Sovereignty was sharp from the gates, travelling sweetly in third early before engaging in a tactical duel with Journalism, who loomed large around the final turn. But once again, it was Godolphin’s blue silks that flashed clear inside the final furlong.

Bill Mott, Sovereignty’s trainer, summed it up best saying: “We had a repeat of the Derby - the first three finishers finished 1-2-3 here - and the form is holding up. They are three really good horses and I’m glad that Sovereignty was able to come back and put in a race like he did in the Derby.