The upcoming Nov. 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar is set to be the third showdown between 3-year-old stars Sovereignty and Journalism, two highly accomplished horses with contrasting futures. Sovereignty, a multiple Grade 1 winner and Horse of the Year favorite, is expected to continue racing at age 4, targeting the Dubai World Cup if he remains in top form. Journalism’s future is less certain; while his ownership group, including Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Coolmore, hopes to campaign him as a 4-year-old to showcase his potential and enhance his value, the decision will weigh heavily against the lucrative stud fees he could command upon retirement.

Eclipse’s Aron Wellman emphasizes the importance of balancing financial considerations with the best interests of the horse and the sport, highlighting the benefits of keeping top horses racing beyond their 3-year-old season. The trend of returning elite 3-year-olds like Sierra Leone, Fierceness, and Mindframe for their 4-year-old campaigns has enriched the sport, creating some of the most competitive and exciting racing seasons in recent memory. This approach not only benefits fans and bettors but also can increase a horse’s value and legacy, potentially setting a precedent for future decisions about retiring or continuing to race top thoroughbreds.