Sovereignty’s dominance atop the NTRA poll signals the intensifying anticipation for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, while the Thoroughbred Makeover in Kentucky marks a decade as the largest retraining event for retired racehorses and introduces major format changes. Across North America and internationally, notable race results keep the spotlight on a deep roster of emerging and established stars, with the spotlight soon turning to Japan’s high-stakes Shuka Sho for 3-year-old fillies.
Sovereignty Remains Top Choice Heading into Classic Season
The three-year-old Sovereignty continues to lead the NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll as the Breeders’ Cup Classic draws near. His record stands at 6: 5-1-0, maintaining a strong edge over his peers, including four-year-old rivals Fierceness and Mindframe. Sierra Leone and Journalism also remain in the top five. The poll’s results reflect the shifting landscape as media and industry insiders weigh performances heading into the fall championship races.
| Rank | Horse | Age-Sex | Record (Starts-Wins-Places-Shows) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sovereignty | 3-C | 6-5-1-0 |
| 2 | Fierceness | 4-C | 4-2-1-0 |
| 3 | Mindframe | 4-C | 4-3-0-0 |
| 4 | Sierra Leone | 4-C | 4-1-2-1 |
| 5 | Journalism | 3-C | 7-4-3-0 |
Thoroughbred Makeover Celebrates Tenth Anniversary with New Format
The 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium concluded at Kentucky Horse Park, marking ten years as North America’s premier event for retraining recently-retired racehorses. This edition featured a revamped championships model, independent discipline titles, and expanded prize purses. Over 70 horses were offered for sale or adoption. The event attracted wide industry interest, showcasing both the athleticism of Thoroughbreds beyond the racetrack and the growing commitment to aftercare and second careers.
Educational clinics and seminars for both trainers and attendees addressed health and rehabilitation topics, furthering the Retired Racehorse Project’s mission to create opportunities and community around off-track Thoroughbreds.
International Spotlight: Shuka Sho to Decide Triple Crown in Japan
Japan’s autumn Group 1 scene heats up this Sunday, October 19, with the 30th Shuka Sho at Kyoto Racecourse. Twenty-two fillies are entered, including winners from the prior legs of the filly triple crown. Kamunyak, fresh from a Grade 2 win, and contenders such as Embroidery, headline the competitive field expected to draw global attention.
The Shuka Sho, run at 2,000 meters, will finalize the filly triple crown, with a fascinating clash between the Oka Sho and Japanese Oaks winners. Outer post positions, history suggests, hold strategic importance at Kyoto in this division.
North American Results and Industry Notes
- Jack Thistledown Racino: North American action continues with a full card, with race replays available for yesterday’s events, highlighting emerging talent as the late-season stakes calendar develops.
- Sales & Pinhook Prospects: The Fasig-Tipton New York sale features notable two-year-old prospects, with pedigree and sale performance under scrutiny as connections make decisions for next season’s campaigners.
- Fort Erie: Allowance racing remains strong in Canada, with U.S. and international runners making headlines during the Autumn meet.
