Sovereignty Reigns in Latest NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll
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Photo: Skip Dickstein
Sovereignty defeats Nitrogen in the Whitney Stakes at Saratoga Race Course
Godolphin's Sovereignty is atop the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Top Thoroughbred Poll following his 4 3/4-length come-from-behind victory against a star-studded field in the Aug. 8 Whitney Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course.
The Bill Mott trainee, who lost his first two starts of 2026 following his Horse of the Year campaign last year, shot up from fifth place after his emphatic victory over champion filly Nitrogen . The latter holds second in the poll, which is meant to reflect leading contenders for the honor of Horse of the Year, the most prestigious Eclipse Award.
Sovereignty received 27 first-place votes and 301 points in the latest poll, in which media members participate. Nitrogen trails him with 220 points, followed by the standout turf horse Deterministic🔥 , who received two first-place votes and 188 points. Magnitude , the previous poll leader, slipped to fourth with 183 points and two first-place votes.
Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Golden Tempo🔥 is the top-rated 3-year-old in fifth with 165 points, while 2025 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Forever Young is sixth at 163. Burnham Square🔥 , Book 'Em Danno, Knightsbridge🔥 , and Splendora round out the top 10.
The Top Thoroughbred Poll concludes Nov. 3, days after this fall's Breeders' Cup World Championships at Keeneland. Individual votes by media members participating in the poll are available online.
Horse of the Year will be announced Jan. 17, 2027, during the Eclipse Award ceremony at The Breakers Palm Beach in South Florida.