Sovereignty out of the Classic - Dettori set for Breeders' Cup swansong
The Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar underwent significant changes as Horse of the Year, Sovereignty, was scratched from the race due to health issues, leaving Fierceness as the new favorite. Legendary jockey Frankie Dettori also made headlines by announcing his retirement from top-level racing following the Breeders' Cup. Having achieved considerable success, including four top-level wins in the US, Dettori will conclude his career with a few rides in South America. His last race will be in the Breeders' Cup Mile, after which he will transition to an ambassadorial role with Amo Racing.
- Sovereignty withdrawn from Breeders' Cup Classic due to health concerns
- Frankie Dettori announces retirement, ending his illustrious career
- Dettori's last ride set for the Breeders' Cup Mile with Argine
Two huge news stories made the headlines at the Breeders' Cup, which begins at Del Mar on Friday.
Racing fans from around the world were looking forward to seeing Horse Of The Year, Sovereignty strut his stuff in the Breeders' Cup Classic. Billy Mott's Kentucky Derby winner dominated the betting for the Classic, where he was set to face defending champion Sierra Leone and the talented Fierceness.
On Tuesday, Mott addressed the press and revealed that his star had spiked a temperature, but hoped he would recover quick enough to take part on Saturday. Sadly, it wasn't to be, and Sovereignty was scratched from the Classic yesterday.
"I said if he re-spiked another fever he'd be out of the Breeders' Cup and he's done that, even though he had some medication in him." Mott revealed. "He's now doing antibiotics and seems to be well and looks bright, but he's definitely going to be scratched.
"It's unbelievable. He's still not missed an oat and eats all of his hay bag. He's got such a good attitude and I don't know if he knows he's sick."
Sovereignty's scratching leaves Fierceness as the favourite, with Sierra Leone and Forever Young just behind. You can find the latest Breeders' Cup Classic betting here on our website.
Mere hours after the press room was rocked by Sovereignty's withdrawal, another headline broke, as legendary jockey Frankie Dettori announced he would retire from top-level racing following the culmination of Saturday's card.
Dettori left the UK for the final time in 2023 to take up residency in the USA. Since then, the 54-year-old has ridden four top-level winners on US soil, including aboard Rebel's Romance in the 2025 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic.
Frankie wrote on his official social media page, “Following the Breeders’ Cup on Saturday, I will be retiring from race riding in the United States and concluding my career with a few rides in South America, something I’ve always wanted to do.
“It has been an honour to compete at the highest level of this sport for over four decades. I’m deeply grateful to my family, the owners, trainers, stable staff and of course, the supporters who have made my career possible.”
Dettori's final ride will come in the Breeders' Cup Mile, where he's set to partner with 20/1 outsider Argine for Japanese trainer, Mitsumasa Nakauchida. He will then take up an ambassadorial role with the ownership group, Amo Racing.
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
27 May 2026
- Daily Tips on May 27th -
- Horse Racing
28 May 2026
- 2026 Brigadier Gerard Stakes -
- Horse Racing
30 May 2026
- 2026 Lester Piggott Stakes -
- Horse Racing
Load More
