At Monmouth Park in Openport, N.J., Journalism made an impressive late surge to claim the $1 million Haskell Invitational on Saturday. This marked Journalism’s first race since competing in the Triple Crown, where he was the only colt to run in all three events—winning the Preakness and finishing second in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.
As the heavy favorite at 2-5 odds, Journalism started off strong under jockey Umberto Rispoli, who kept pace with the early frontrunners. Coming down the final turn, Journalism accelerated powerfully, overtaking Gosgar and Goal Orientation, who had been battling for the lead. It was expected that Journalism would surge along the inside rail and seize victory by about half a length.
Rispoli commented, “Riding him feels like handling a diesel engine. He’s like a machine, and you never quite know when he’s going to explode into speed. What he accomplished today was amazing.”
Gosgar finished second, just ahead of Goal Orientation.
This victory marked the sixth win for Journalism in nine starts under Southern California trainer Michael McCarthy. The colt had also triumphed in the prestigious $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar on November 1st.
The winning payouts for Journalism were $2.80, $2.20, and $2.10.
—
Fan Take: Journalism’s performance reaffirms his status as a top contender in horse racing, thrilling fans with his resilience and speed. This win not only boosts excitement for future races but also highlights the talent and strategy behind the sport, promising continued high-stakes competition for enthusiasts.
