Sovereignty triumphs in Belmont; Ruling Court misses Epsom Derby

Khaleej Times

2 days ago

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.
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in the G1 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga while just hours earlier and across the Atlantic, Ruling Court was dramatically withdrawn from the Epsom Derby due to deteriorating ground conditions.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.
'If we hadn't won today, we would have taken a lot of criticism for missing the Preakness, but it turned out good. Sometimes, you make the right decision and a lot of times you make the wrong ones. Today, it really worked out well.'
Michael Banahan, Director of Bloodstock, Godolphin USA, hailed the victory as part of a bigger, long-term vision.
'It's the most fantastic feeling in the world,' he said. 'Sovereignty was trained to the minute by Bill and his team to come here off a five-week rest.
'We decided to head here a few days after the Derby and I feel it was justified with the spectacular performance we saw today.
'We are looking at trying to have the horse for the whole year, and have a whole career with him as well. There are races down the road that we would really like to win – the Travers is very special,' Mott, winner of the inaugural Dubai World Cup in 1996 with Cigar, added.
'It would be great, if the horse is healthy and well, to try and get to Del Mar for the Breeders' Cup Classic.'
Jockey Junior Alvarado commented: 'This is what racing is about, two great horses matching each other. Journalism ran amazing again today after coming back from the Preakness. He fought very hard and didn't make it any easier for my horse. Sovereignty was great today.'
But while celebrations rang out at Saratoga, the atmosphere at Epsom Downs was more subdued. Godolphin's other star colt, Ruling Court, a brilliant winner of the 2000 Guineas, was withdrawn just hours before the Epsom Derby (G1) after persistent rain softened the turf, making conditions unsuitable for the son of high-class Kentucky stallion Justify.
Trainer Charlie Appleby made the difficult decision in consultation with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, placing the horse's wellbeing above all else. The Derby's loss reflected Godolphin's careful strategy to protect their brightest European hopes.
The decision, while disappointing, was understood by all in the camp, including jockey William Buick, who was left without a ride.
'Of course, it's gutting to miss a ride like this,' Buick admitted. 'But when it comes to the horse's safety, you have to be clear-headed. The ground just wasn't right for him.'
Instead of risking Ruling Court on testing ground, connections now eye the St James's Palace Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot as his next likely target.
With the Ruling Court absent, the Derby unfolded without its anticipated headliner and produced a new one in Lambourn, who made every yard of the running under a sublime ride from Wayne Lordan to hand Aidan O'Brien his record-extending 11th Derby triumph.
'This is the race every jockey dreams of,' said an emotional Lordan. 'To win it like that, from the front, it's unbelievable. I've waited a long time for this.'
Among Godolphin's remaining hopes, Tornado Alert, trained by renowned Emirati handler Saeed bin Suroor, produced a brave effort to finish sixth.
'I was very pleased with the way Tornado Alert ran,' said Bin Suroor, who won the Derby in 1995 with Lammtarra. 'He showed real heart and handled the ground better than we thought he might. It was a very tough race, and he gave everything out there. I'm proud of him.'
In a sport often defined by decisions and the forces of nature, Godolphin lived both sides of the coin this weekend.
The withdrawal of Ruling Court on welfare grounds may have stung but it underscored a long-term philosophy that was vindicated just hours later, as Sovereignty's storming Belmont success reaffirmed the stable's exceptional depth and judgement.