On Saturday, at the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, Journalism emerged victorious despite some contact late in the race, defying the odds. Goal-oriented, the favorite, challenged near the quarter pole and seemed poised for another second-place finish just weeks after the Kentucky Derby. However, Journalism, guided by jockey Humberto Rispoli, surged ahead to give trainer Michael McCarthy his second Triple Crown race win.
McCarthy acknowledged the unpredictability of the race, remarking on the horse’s remarkable determination. Gosgar finished second, Sandman third, and Goal-oriented fourth, trained by Bob Baffert. Journalism completed the 1 3/16 miles in 1:55.37, with Rispoli making history as the first Italian jockey to win a Triple Crown race.
The horse thrived under the warm weather, favoring the dried-out Pimlico track after recent heavy rains, unlike the muddy conditions he faced at Churchill Downs. Journalism paid $4 to win, $2.80 to place, and $2.40 to show. Baffert praised Journalism’s resilience, noting he never gave up despite being challenged.
Sovereignty did not participate, as trainer Bill Mott chose to skip the Preakness with plans to focus on the Belmont Stakes on June 7th. Journalism solidified his status as Horse of the Year by winning this $2 million race on the historic Pimlico track, which has since been rebuilt. Rispoli expressed deep pride and joy in riding such an extraordinary horse.
Next year, the Preakness will be held at Laurel Park near Baltimore and Washington, DC, before returning to the new Pimlico in 2027. Journalism is the first winner of the Preakness since Will’s War in 2019, trained by Mark Cass. Only two Derby contenders, Sandman and Gosgar, competed in this year’s Preakness.
Legendary trainer D. Wayne Lucas called McCarthy “the new guy,” who remains undefeated in his two Preakness entries. The win carried emotional weight for McCarthy, who, along with his wife, has been displaced by a Southern California wildfire. He vowed to rebuild his life and dedicated the victory to Altadena.
Fan Take: This thrilling Preakness upset highlights the unpredictability and excitement that keeps horse racing fans on the edge of their seats. Journalism’s victory not only celebrates resilience and skill but also brings renewed energy and hope to the sport’s future.
