Sovereignty Unprepared for Dubai World Cup
Trainer Bill Mott has confirmed that Sovereignty, the reigning Horse of the Year, will not participate in the upcoming Dubai World Cup scheduled for March 28. This decision may come as a surprise since Sovereignty is owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.
Sovereignty’s 2026 Goals
Mott aims to prepare Sovereignty for a successful run at the 2026 GI Breeders’ Cup Classic. While a detailed race schedule has yet to be finalized, Mott highlighted that Sovereignty will begin training in the coming weeks at his Florida base in Payson Park.
Past Challenges and Future Plans
- Sovereignty missed the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Classic due to a sudden illness.
- Mott believes competing as a 4-year-old will enhance Sovereignty’s value as a future stallion.
- Winning the Breeders’ Cup would have made a comeback more complex for the colt.
Upcoming Races Considered
In addition to the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Mott is exploring other significant races for Sovereignty’s return. Potential targets include:
- GI Whitney Stakes
- GI Jockey Club Gold Cup
The Pressure of Success
Mott emphasizes the unique challenges of training a Horse of the Year. He highlights the added responsibility to ensure Sovereignty performs exceptionally upon return. Previously, Mott secured back-to-back Horse of the Year titles with Cigar in 1995 and 1996, which adds to his understanding of this pressure.
As Sovereignty prepares for the upcoming racing season, a careful approach will be critical to his success and future in the sport.
