Major Absences in Upcoming Breeders’ Cup

Two prominent figures in horse racing are set to miss the Breeders’ Cup this year.

The last two Kentucky Derby winners, Sovereignty and Mystic Dan, were both injured during their recent outings at Del Mar Fairgrounds in California.

Sobrianti, the recent winner of both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, suffered an injury on Wednesday due to a fever. He had been the frontrunner for the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, boasting a 6-5 record.

Additionally, Mystic Dan won’t participate in the $1 million dirt mile race, as it was confirmed Saturday that he is dealing with a flexed left ankle.

Last year’s Classic champion, Sierra Leone, finished just short of Mystic Dan in the 2024 Derby, coming in third at the Belmont Stakes this past year. He clinched the Whitney Stakes at Saratoga in August. The horse aims to make history by being the first to win the Classic in consecutive years since Tiznow did it in 2000 and 2001.

On the Classic’s roster are 2025 Derby runner-up Journalism, who captured the Preakness and was second in the Belmont, and Mindframe, who also finished as a runner-up in last year’s Belmont and Haskell Stakes.

The dirt mile will feature White Avario, the 2023 Classic and Whitney winner.

The Classic is scheduled for 6:25 p.m. ET, with the dirt mile to follow about an hour and 20 minutes later.