THE winner of the Kentucky Derby will not race in the Preakness Stakes next weekend, meaning there will be no Triple Crown victory this year.
Sovereignty, the big star of last week’s race in Louisville, has withdrawn from the Preakness Stakes to focus on the Belmont Stakes next month.
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Race officials recieved the news from trainer Bill Mott earlier this week.
1/ST vice president Mike Rogers said: “We extend our congratulations to the connections of Sovereignty and respect their decision.
“We continue to see the excitement building toward the milestone celebration of the 150th Preakness Stakes, and we look forward to an incredible weekend of world-class racing and entertainment.”
Sovereignty was the favourite to win Preakness, according to early betting odds.
Journalism has now emerged as the favourite for the race.
Fans have been left disappointed with the outcome, with some calling for the Triple Crown schedule to be changed.
One person took to social media to write: “Sovereignty is out for the Preakness. Something is seriously wrong with the Triple Crown. Time to adapt to the times.”
Another commented: “Enough of this. First Saturday of each month for the Triple Crown races.”
A third said: “Bill Mott always puts his horses well being first. There is no reason to run a horse into the ground just to satisfy bettors.”
A fourth wrote: “Need to add more time between the races. I don’t like it, but it is what it is.”
While a fifth added: “I mean that is why it is the triple crown. But ya, it could be stretched out a week right?”
There is currently a two-week gap between Kentucky and Preakness and a three-week period between Preakness and Belmont.
Just 13 horses have won the Triple Crown in history, the most recent being Justify in 2018.
To win the Triple Crown, a runner must win the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.