The winner of the Kentucky Derby, Sovereignty, will not participate in the upcoming 150th Preakness Stakes scheduled for May 17. This decision effectively bars any chance for a Triple Crown victory this year; however, Sovereignty is set to prepare for the Belmont Stakes in June.

Mike Rogers, the executive vice president at 1/ST, the company behind Pimlico Race Course, revealed that trainer Bill Mott had communicated this choice. Rogers expressed congratulations on Sovereignty’s Kentucky Derby success and noted his anticipation for a memorable event at the 150th Preakness Stakes.

“We extend our congratulations to the connections of Sovereignty and respect their decision,” Rogers stated. “Excitement continues to build for the remarkable celebration of the 150th Preakness Stakes, and we look forward to an incredible weekend of world-class racing and entertainment.”

On a muddy day at Churchill Downs, Sovereignty made a remarkable late surge to win. The horse came from behind to overtake the favored Journalism, who finished second, while Baeza claimed third place. Sovereignty’s victory concluded with a reward of $3.1 million in prize money.

With Sovereignty out of the Preakness running, Justify retains the title of last Triple Crown winner after achieving the milestone in 2018.