Sovereignty wins Breeders’ Cup Classic

Junior Alvarado poses for a photo atop Sovereignty, in the winner’s circle after winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic during the 43rd Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Keeneland Horse Track on October 31, 2026 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo: AFP) November 3, 2026 LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Sovereignty won the $7-million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland on Saturday, denying Forever Young a rare repeat in the showpiece of the racing extravaganza. Trained by Bill Mott and ridden by Junior Alvarado, 2025 Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty seized his first chance at the Classic after he was scratched from last year’s edition because of a fever. He was beaten twice to open his 2026 campaign, and his Classic participation was again threatened by a hoof abscess, but Alvarado said he never doubted that Sovereignty could win the Classic. Junior Alvarado celebrates atop Sovereignty #2, after winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic during the 43rd Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Keeneland Horse Track on October 31, 2026 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo: AFP) “What he did today, Sovereignty, it’s just spectacular,” Alvarado said. “We really wanted to run so bad the Classic last year. I’m just so glad the Godolphin team gave us a chance to keep him in training and get to do what he did today.” Sovereignty settled in well behind pace-setting stablemate Knightsbridge and left no doubt when Alvarado set him loose at the top of the stretch. He finished ahead of The Puma, with Knightsbridge third. Owner Michael Banahan (left) celebrates with Junior Alvarado after he rode Sovereignty, to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic during the 43rd Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Keeneland Horse Track on October 31, 2026 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo: AFP) “Turning in the back side…I was like, oh boy, it’s like I can’t wait to turn for home because I knew the power I have underneath me,” Alvarado said. “The way he was travelling the whole time, letting me know, like, I’m here for you. I never had a doubt the whole way around.” Forever Young, who gave Japan a first Classic winner at Del Mar last year, ran just behind Knightsbridge for much of the way but faded to finish fifth. Sovereignty (left), ridden by Junior Alvarado, runs down the stretch to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic during the 43rd Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Keeneland Horse Track on October 31, 2026 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo: AFP) The well-travelled star trained by Yoshito Yahagi had been vying to join Tiznow as the only horses to win back-to-back Breeders’ Cup Classics. Yahagi said he thought jockey Ryusei Sakai had Forever Young perfectly positioned but when it came to the stretch run “there was no response”. “I feel apologetic, but above all I’m relieved that the horse came back safely,” Yahagi said. MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A 17-year-old schoolboy is in police custody after he reportedly stabbed to death another student during a dispute near Holmwood... KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government is moving towards establishing a national digital addressing system after a pilot project assigned digital addresse... KINSGTON, Jamaica — The 48-hour curfew that was imposed in St Andrew South division has been extended. The curfew will continue from 6:00 pm on Monday... Latest News, News, Videos Whether it's a trip to the beach, fresh fish for Sunday dinner or simply enjoying the beauty of our coastline, the ocean is part of who we are. But be... ST JAMES, Jamaica — Some 77 residents from communities across St James have been trained as community fire-safety wardens to help identify fire hazard... KINGSTON, Jamaica — What began as a move to Trelawny for love has blossomed into a successful farming business, with faith in God helping to sustain a... BY JASON CROSS Observer staff reporter crossj@jamaicaobserver.com KINGSTON, Jamaica — Andre Ruddock has taken the witness stand in his own murder trial on Monday afternoon in the Home Circuit Court in Kingston, claim... KINGSTON, Jamaica — The United States (US) dollar on Monday, November 2, ended trading at $159.55, down $159.66, according to the Bank of Jamaica’s da... Facebook Twitter Instagram Polls Recent Posts Archives