Sovereignty Achieves Historic Quadruple Crown with Travers Stakes Victory

Saratoga Springs, NY – Sovereignty, the formidable three-year-old colt, cemented his place in horse racing history on Saturday, August 23, 2025, by winning the 156th running of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. This victory marks a historic achievement, making Sovereignty the first horse to win the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, Jim Dandy, and the Travers Stakes in the same year.

The "Midsummer Derby" saw a compact field of five elite three-year-olds compete for the prestigious title. Sovereignty, trained by Bill Mott and owned by Godolphin, entered the race as the overwhelming 2-5 morning-line favorite, following his impressive wins in two legs of the Triple Crown and the Jim Dandy Stakes. His performance lived up to expectations, securing a dominant win.

The Travers Stakes, held at Saratoga Race Course, is one of the oldest and most revered races for three-year-olds in the United States, dating back to 1864. It is steeped in tradition, including the presentation of the Man o' War Cup to the winning connections and the draping of a blanket of carnations over the victor. The winner's silks are also painted onto a canoe in the infield pond, a unique Saratoga custom.

The excitement of Travers Day was palpable, drawing a large crowd to the historic track. Social media personality Griffin Johnson captured the lively atmosphere, posting on X (formerly Twitter), > "Sandman getting some love on Travers Day.. good luck to everyone today 🐎💨 @TheNYRA." His tweet reflected the widespread enthusiasm and good wishes surrounding the day's races.

Sovereignty's historic win adds another illustrious chapter to the Travers Stakes' rich legacy, further solidifying his status as a standout in the 2025 racing season. The victory underscores the strategic prowess of his connections and leaves an indelible mark on the sport.