Kentucky

Zipse: Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty stars again at 4

Published

1 month ago

August 9, 2026

Press Room

Zipse: Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty stars again at 4

Photo:

Gary Johnson / Eclipse Sportswire

The Kentucky Derby is the one event in American racing that stands far above the rest. It is the one race that everyone wants to win, and it is the one race that the general public celebrates. Because of this, it’s a boon to the sport to see a winner of the roses come back to have top-level success beyond the first Saturday in May, and especially as an older horse. Such a horse is worthy of celebration. In Sovereignty, it looks like we have one.

Saturday’s Grade 1, $1 million Whitney Stakes featured as strong a group of older horses as we’ve seen assembled in years, and the strapping son of Into Mischief absolutely steamrolled the competition down the Saratoga stretch. Back at his favorite track, it was vintage Sovereignty. The champion reminded us all why he was the 2025 horse of the year.

Unfortunately, the days of Seattle Slew, Affirmed and Spectacular Bid are becoming more distant memories with each passing year. Those goliaths of the game were all Kentucky Derby winners who came back to dominate as even better older horses. It simply doesn’t happen like that anymore.

Sovereignty’s 4 3/4-length win in a sparkling 1:47.91 over the game and champion filly Nitrogen in the Whitney was the best performance by a Kentucky Derby winner in years. Of this there can be no doubt.

Last season, the Godolphin homebred emphatically validated his stylish win over Journalism at Churchill Downs. Under the guidance of Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott and ridden each time by veteran Junior Alvarado, Sovereignty followed up his score in the Kentucky Derby by dominating the best of the rest of the division with ease in the Belmont Stakes, Jim Dandy (G2) and Travers Stakes (G1).

Despite having to miss the Breeders’ Cup Classic due to illness, his superiority within the 3-year-old male division was enough to win the nation’s top honor without having faced older horses. Sovereignty became the first Kentucky Derby victor to win America’s horse of the year since Authentic back in 2020.

While Authentic was retired to stud after his sophomore season five years earlier, the announcement of Sovereignty’s plan to race as an older runner was met with high anticipation. His long-awaited return to the races was not without a bump in the road, or two, however.

His lofty reputation took a hit not once, but twice to begin his 4-year-old season. A second-place finish in the Oaklawn Handicap (G2) was followed up by a third-place effort in the Stephen Foster (G1). A lack of pace, loose speed and a sloppy racing surface may have all played a part, but suddenly the mighty Sovereignty was knocked from the summit and once again a challenger, as he was before the 2025 Kentucky Derby.

In one fell swoop on Saturday evening at Saratoga, while facing a field that included Grade 1 winners Magnitude, Baeza, Nitrogen, White Abarrio and Antiquarian, the champion returned in full flight. Leaving the best dirt horses in the country in his wake, Sovereignty was back.

No Kentucky Derby winner has run a race like this as an older horse in many years. Taking that thought a step further, the list of Kentucky Derby winners to come back to win a horse of the year title as an older horse this century is a party of one.

In the 21st century, California Chrome stands alone as the gold standard for career accomplishments following a Kentucky Derby victory. The rags-to-riches chestnut validated his success at Churchill Downs many times over. After the Derby, he added Preakness and Hollywood Derby (G1) victories as a 3-year-old horse of the year.

Following an injury-shortened 4-year-old campaign, California Chrome became a two-time horse of the year at 5, rattling off wins in the San Pasqual (G2), Dubai World Cup (G1), San Diego Handicap (G2), Pacific Classic (G1) and Awesome Again (G1).

Of all the Kentucky Derby winners going back more than two decades, only California Chrome and Animal Kingdom, the winner of the 2011 run for the roses and the 2013 Dubai World Cup, can boast a victory like Sovereignty enjoyed on Saturday.

Back to his winning ways, Sovereignty has a bright future, but there is still much to do. It won’t come at his favorite track of Saratoga, but both the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) at Belmont Park on Sept. 18 and the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland on Oct. 31 will offer the big bay the opportunity to return to the classic distance of 1 1/4 miles.

Returning to his preferred distance should make Sovereignty that much stronger as he chases a second horse of the year title. With a return to 10 furlongs, there will also come the new challenge of Forever Young.

The Japanese superstar won the Breeders’ Cup Classic last year, and now as a fully mature 5-year-old, will be serious competition for last year’s Kentucky Derby hero. Both Forever Young and Sovereignty are expected to run in the Jockey Club Gold Cup and the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

In the latter, they could also meet the reigning Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo, who is preparing for the Travers after winning the Belmont Stakes. He has not yet won as impressively as Sovereignty, but this year’s Derby winner appears to be developing nicely.

The golden era of racing was highlighted by Kentucky Derby winners coming back to prove themselves the worthiest horses in the game. They don’t make them like Seattle Slew, Affirmed and Spectacular Bid anymore, which is all the more reason to appreciate a champion like California Chrome.

Now Sovereignty will have the opportunity to become a Kentucky Derby winner to be truly celebrated. After Saturday’s performance in the Whitney, the sky is once again the limit.

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Kentucky

Big Blue Preview: Kentucky vs. Alabama

Published

3 hours ago

September 11, 2026

Press Room

Preview

Kentucky opens Southeastern Conference play on Saturday, hosting No. 12 Alabama at Kroger Field (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC).

The Cats opened the season, and the Will Stein Era, with a 45-13 win over Youngstown State on Sept. 5. Quarterback Kenny Minchey, making his first career start after transferring from Notre Dame, threw for 301 yards and four touchdowns in the win. UK had 506 yards of total offense in the win.

Alabama beat East Carolina 48-10 in its season opener last weekend in Tuscaloosa. Quarterback Keelon Russell had a big game for the Tide, passing for 256 yards and rushing for 86 more and a touchdown.

Kentucky and Alabama have not met on the gridiron since 2020. One of UK’s most memorable victories came in 1997 when Tim Couch connected with Craig Yeast for a touchdown in overtime to lift the Cats past the Tide 40-34. Couch and Yeast will serve as honorary captains for Saturday’s game.

Cat Scratches: Stein, Cats Preparing for SEC Opener Against Alabama

Kentucky head coach Will Stein earned his first career win on Saturday as his Cats topped Youngstown State. Now, Stein will coach his first Southeastern Conference game as Kentucky hosts Alabama this weekend.

The SEC opener is obviously a big step up in competition for the Cats, but Stein and his staff are trying to keep things simple for the UK players.

“Do your job. One play at a time, one-play focus, relentless effort, play connected, play tough, play to our standard,” Stein said. “It’s about us.”

There are things that coaches and players have no say about in a particular game, and Stein wants his team to just worry about the things that they can control…Read More

Kentucky-Alabama Series History

• Kentucky will take on Alabama on Saturday in both teams’ 2026 Southeastern Conference opener.
• The Wildcats are 2-39-1 all-time versus Alabama, including 2-15 in Lexington.
• Alabama has won seven consecutive meetings in the series.
• UK’s last win the series was a 40-34 overtime victory in 1997 engineered by Tim Couch and Craig Yeast. Couch hit Yeast with a 26-yard touchdown pass for the game winning score in OT. The duo will serve as honorary captains for Saturday’s game.
• In that game, current UK defensive line coach Anwar Stewart returned a blocked field goal 68 yards for a touchdown.
• This will be the first SEC contest for first-year head coach Will Stein.
• Alabama will be making only its fourth trip to Lexington since 1980, including UK’s 40-34 overtime in victory in 1997.

By the Numbers

0
Sacks allowed by the experienced Kentucky offensive line in the season opener

5
Consecutive possessions on which Kentucky scored to open the game against Youngstown State

9
Number of different receivers who caught a pass in the win over YSU

35
Career starts for Jordan Castell, the most of any current UK player

301
Passing yards by Kenny Minchey in his first career start, last week against Youngstown State

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Kentucky

Kentucky vs. Alabama Injury Report: Michael Carroll remains doubtful

Published

13 hours ago

September 10, 2026

Press Room

Kentucky vs. Alabama Injury Report: Michael Carroll remains doubtful

We are only two days removed from Kentucky Football hosting the Alabama Crimson Tide as Will Stein tries to make some major noise in only his second game as head coach. The BBN is rocking, and many are believing an upset could happen at Kroger Field on Saturday. That will take a healthy roster, and fortunately for the Cats, it looks like they will have that.

When the first injury report dropped Wednesday, Kentucky got great news, as four major pieces of this team did not appear on the report: Jovante Barnes, Teryhon Nichols, Hasaan Sykes, and Malachi Wood. That means we should see them take the field for the Cats on Saturday.

Several reserves still appear on the report that weren’t expected to play much, including backup offensive lineman Jay Clark, who has already been ruled out.

For the Crimson Tide, if you missed it yesterday, they will be without wideout Noah Rogers. Starting offensive lineman Michael Carroll also remains doubtful. This would be a major blow for the Tide’s o-line in their first road game.

Not much movement tonight. Now, we wait until Friday to see if we get any surprise names.

Kentucky vs. Alabama Injury Report

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Kentucky

Kentucky Mobile Launches Wireless Plans With A Purpose For Big Blue Nation

Published

23 hours ago

September 10, 2026

Press Room

LEXINGTON, KY [SEPTEMBER 10, 2026] — Big Blue Nation shows up everywhere, from the student section at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, to the faculty and staff in the stands at Kentucky Proud Park, to the alumni proudly wearing UK gear long after graduation. Now, the University of Kentucky and UK Athletics are introducing a new wireless service built to match the loyalty of this one-of-a-kind fan community.

Today, the University of Kentucky, UK Athletics, and the UK Alumni Association are officially announcing a partnership with Collegiate Mobile to launch Kentucky Mobile, the first wireless service of its kind at the University of Kentucky, delivered on a nationwide 5G network and designed specifically for Big Blue Nation. With Kentucky Mobile’s affordable, reliable wireless service, Wildcat fans can stay connected while simultaneously supporting University of Kentucky and UK Athletics programs simply by paying their phone bill.

“Members of Big Blue Nation are distinctively proud to support the Wildcats however they can, and Kentucky Mobile gives them a creative new way to do that,” said J Batt, UK Athletics Director and CEO of Champions Blue LLC. “This service enables fans, alumni, students, faculty, and staff to stay connected while also supporting the University of Kentucky in the way that matters most to them. Whether a customer chooses to support athletics, scholarships, or campus and community programs, Kentucky Mobile is an innovative way to turn something they already use every day into a meaningful way to give back.”

Wireless Plans Built for Every Wildcat
Kentucky Mobile is not a one-size-fits-all phone plan. It is designed with competitive pricing built specifically for the people who make up Big Blue Nation, with wireless options available for students, faculty and staff, alumni, and fans:

Students can choose flexible wireless plans built around everyday campus life, ranging from $15/month to $35/month.
UK Faculty and Staff receive discounted plans as a ‘thank you’ for all they do to make Lexington a special place to call home, ranging from $16/month to $36/month.
Alumni and Fans can select the wireless plan that works best for their needs, ranging from $20/month to $45/month with options built around everyday value and flexibility.

No matter which plan you choose, Kentucky Mobile delivers the same core benefits that make it the best choice for Big Blue Nation:

Flexible wireless plans with no contracts or hidden fees.
Ability to keep your current phone model and phone number.
Affordable and reliable service on a nationwide 5G network.
Automatic support for University of Kentucky or UK Athletics programs with every payment.

“Kentucky Mobile is about bringing the entire UK community – students, faculty, alumni, and fans across Kentucky and beyond – closer to the university they love, while giving them an easy way to give back,” said Joe Phillips, CEO of Collegiate Mobile. “The University of Kentucky is more than a team; it is an institution that shapes lives across the state and beyond. Kentucky Mobile turns an everyday service into a way for Big Blue Nation to invest in UK’s future, from the campus to the community.”

Your Bill. Your Choice. Your Impact.
Every Kentucky Mobile payment automatically generates a contribution to the University of Kentucky or UK Athletics program of the customer’s choice at no additional cost and with no separate donation required — just a wireless plan that turns a recurring monthly bill into ongoing support for the programs that matter most to them.

When signing up for a Kentucky Mobile plan, customers can choose where their contributions will make an impact from the following options:

UK Athletics: Support for UK Athletics initiatives, including recruiting and retention, facility enhancements, and additional resources that keep all Wildcat teams competitive.
UK Student Scholarships: Investment in the futures of students who represent the very best of the University of Kentucky every day and are poised as the next generation of changemakers.
Campus & Community Programs: Support for the programs and initiatives that strengthen the UK community on-campus and beyond.

“The UK Alumni Association is proud to partner with Kentucky Mobile. Their generous support helps us continue providing meaningful programs, services, scholarships, and opportunities that strengthen connections among our alumni, students, and the broader Wildcat community. We are grateful for their commitment to supporting the University of Kentucky and its alumni community,” said Jill Smith, Vice President of Stakeholder Engagement and Executive Director at the University of Kentucky Alumni Association.

Gameday Just Got an Upgrade
Kentucky Mobile customers get more than just wireless service. They also gain access to select fan benefits and gameday experiences throughout the season, from the hardwood at Rupp Arena to the sidelines at Kroger Field:

VIP Gameday Experiences: Kentucky Mobile customers may receive access to select gameday experiences, including pregame hospitality, fan events, and other special opportunities tied to UK Athletics.
Exclusive Fan Giveaways: Kentucky Mobile customers may also receive exclusive fan rewards, including Wildcat swag, premium stadium access, and other exclusive giveaways throughout the year.

The agreement was developed in partnership with JMI Sports – UK Athletics’ multimedia rights partner operating locally as UK Sports & Campus Marketing — who led the strategic development of the partnership with the University of Kentucky and UK Athletics.

Switching is simple. Visit KentuckyMobile.com, pick your plan, and start supporting the University of Kentucky and UK Athletics with every payment.

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About UK Athletics
UK Athletics is a leader in college sports, sponsoring 23 varsity sports teams (12 women’s teams, 10 men’s teams, plus the coed rifle team) and hundreds of student-athletes, competing for championships, ensuring their education and well-being, and providing opportunities for the present and future. With the leadership of Athletics Director/CEO J Batt, UK Athletics operates as Champions Blue, LLC. The non-profit holding company, a first of its kind in college athletics, is designed to provide the department with the flexibility to unlock new revenue streams through public-private partnerships and potentially other transactions, such as real estate.

About the University of Kentucky Alumni Association
The UK Alumni Association is dedicated to fostering lifelong engagement among alumni, friends and the university. Through scholarships, communications, programs, services, benefits and advocacy, the UK Alumni Association supports the University of Kentucky and keeps more than 350,000 alumni worldwide connected to UK and to one another.

About Collegiate Mobile
Collegiate Mobile is the only wireless carrier built for the collegiate community and powered by it. Traditional wireless plans are built around the carrier; Collegiate Mobile is built around the collegiate community, giving customers a way to stay connected while helping fund the schools and programs they care about. Driven by its core philosophy, Wireless with Purpose, Collegiate Mobile turns wireless payments into a predictable, recurring funding stream for the university. Customers on a Collegiate Mobile network such as Kentucky Mobile receive coverage on a nationwide 5G network with one structural difference: a portion of every subscriber’s monthly payment is automatically directed to the campus programs they choose — athletics, scholarships, or student initiatives. No contracts, no extra out-of-pocket costs, and zero friction.

About JMI Sports
JMI Sports is a leading media rights and venue development company that provides management of collegiate multimedia rights, sponsorship sales agency representation, and project management expertise for the development of collegiate and professional sports facilities. The company serves to maximize each client’s economic potential through customized initiatives, from marketing and branding solutions to facility design strategies.

JMI Sports’ signature collegiate multimedia rights partnerships include the University of Kentucky, UCLA, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh, Harvard University, Columbia University, San Diego State University, University of California at San Diego, University of San Diego, and joint-venture properties at the University of Georgia (with Learfield), University of Notre Dame (with Legends), and Northwestern University (with Legends). JMI Sports also represents multimedia rights for several conferences, including the Ivy League, the Mid-American Conference, the Mountain West Conference, the Patriot League, and the Atlantic 10, and serves as third-party sales representation for premier sports properties, venues, and events including Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, the Rose Bowl, the Penn Relays, and USA Volleyball.

JMI Sports was founded in 2006 by CEO Erik Judson and technology entrepreneur John Moores, former owner of the San Diego Padres. To learn more, please visit www.jmisports.com.

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