With the Kentucky Derby only 3 weeks away, something incredible may be happening. There is a likely matchup between father and son trainers, Bill Mott and Riley Mott. This is a rare matchup that adds an extra layer of excitement to one of the most anticipated races of the year.

As most of you know, Bill Mott serves as the trainer for Dream Maker Racing and is one of the most respected figures in the sport. His resume speaks for itself, being highlighted by Horse of the Year, Sovereignty. He consistently competes at the highest level, and the 2026 season has been no different. Already this year, Bill Mott has had 35 firsts and earnings of almost $3 million. Riley Mott, in his fourth year on his own, has achieved 12 firsts and earned over $1.2 million.

Bill could be taking Chief Wallabee, who is currently 22nd on the leaderboard with 50 points, into the Kentucky Derby. Chief Wallabee proved himself during the prep season, finishing second in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) and third in the Florida Derby (G1). As for his son, Riley Mott, he has two contenders for the Kentucky Derby: Incredibolt and Albus. Incredibolt is currently in 13th on the leaderboard with 60 points from his win in the Virginia Derby (G1) and his win in the Street Sense Stakes (G3). Albus currently sits at 9th on the leaderboard with 100 points, winning the Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct. Having multiple horses on the Derby trail this early in his career is a testament to his horsemanship and training as his father’s assistant for 9 years.

Beyond the Kentucky Derby, Sovereignty is set to return this year, with Bill having his sights set on the Oaklawn Handicap (G2). The return of the Horse of the Year is highly anticipated, after he was scratched from the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and expectations will be high.

As Derby Day approaches, all eyes are on the leaderboard and whether or not the father-son matchup becomes a reality. Here at Dream Maker Racing, we will be cheering on Bill and Riley in their current and future successes.