SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The summer of 2025 was a defining season for thoroughbred racing, especially for the colt Sovereignty, owned by Godolphin and trained by Bill Mott. With Junior Alvarado aboard, Sovereignty showcased his exceptional talent at the Saratoga Race Course, achieving remarkable victories, including the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes, Grade 2 Jim Dandy, and the prestigious Grade 1 Travers.
The Belmont Stakes was particularly notable as it featured a rematch between Sovereignty and Journalism, the winner of the Grade 1 Preakness Stakes and runner-up in the Kentucky Derby. The race unfolded dramatically, with Sovereignty and Journalism once again finishing in the top two positions, while Baeza, third in the Derby, claimed third place in this event as well. Sovereignty’s victory in the Belmont was followed by a commanding win in the Jim Dandy, setting the stage for a stunning 10-length triumph in the Travers, marking Mott’s first win in this iconic race.
Frank Mirahmadi’s Perspective on Sovereignty’s Triumphs
Throughout this impressive run, the voice of the races was Frank Mirahmadi, who became the announcer for Saratoga in 2023. Mirahmadi, who is also known for calling races at Santa Anita Park, reflected on the exhilarating experiences of calling Sovereignty’s races.
Mirahmadi expressed his anticipation for the Belmont Stakes, noting the stakes of the race as a rematch with Journalism. “There was a lot of nervousness and great anticipation,” he recalled, reflecting on the powerful presence of both colts in the post parade.
During the race, he observed a pivotal moment when Sovereignty lost a bit of ground, which he later described as an “optical illusion.” Mirahmadi recounted the adrenaline rush he felt as Sovereignty made his move, likening it to “a coyote coming after a kitten.” This decisive moment underscored Sovereignty’s dominance, leading Mirahmadi to proclaim him as “the best 3-year-old in the world.”
In the Jim Dandy, Mirahmadi noted Sovereignty’s ability to recover quickly after losing position in the race. “That’s when you know you have a horse that has the potential to go in the all-time category,” he stated, emphasizing Sovereignty’s class as he outperformed his competitors regardless of distance.
A Legacy of Excellence in the Travers
Sovereignty’s performance in the Travers was nothing short of spectacular, with Mirahmadi describing it as a display of “exhibition and poetry in motion.” The colt extended his lead in the stretch, and Mirahmadi recalled the moment vividly, noting the “ridiculous” margin he created between himself and the competition.
The Travers victory was not just a personal achievement for Sovereignty but also a milestone for Mott. Mirahmadi shared his admiration for Mott’s career, stating, “His career has been defined by excellence and class.” The announcer felt compelled to congratulate Mott as the horses crossed the finish line, recognizing how significant the Travers was to the trainer’s legacy.
As the summer racing season drew to a close, Mirahmadi reflected on his favorite moment of the year. For him, calling the Belmont Stakes stood out as a dream realized. “For a southern California native to call the Belmont Stakes on Fox Sports was something I could never have even dreamed about,” he said.
His experiences with Sovereignty have solidified the colt’s status as one of the greatest horses Mirahmadi has ever called. He placed Sovereignty in the same conversation as Hall of Famers American Pharoah and Tiznow based on performance and skill.
As the racing world looks forward to future events, Mirahmadi expressed excitement for the upcoming Belmont Stakes, viewing it as a “privilege” to continue calling such prestigious races. With a remarkable summer behind them, the future looks bright for Sovereignty and the team at Godolphin.
