Journalism Stages Unbelievable Rally to Win Grade 1 Preakness Stakes

In a stunning display of resilience and determination, Journalism, piloted by an emotional Umberto Rispoli, overcame significant adversity to capture the 150th running of the Grade 1 Preakness Stakes.

The even-money favorite, owned by a partnership including Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Bridlewood Farm, looked beaten at multiple points in the race but ultimately surged in the final furlong to secure a dramatic half-length victory.

The race was not without its challenges for the son of Curlin. Breaking well, Journalism was initially positioned along the rail.

As the field rounded the far turn, Rispoli found himself needing to urge Journalism to maintain position, with the colt appearing not to relish the Pimlico surface at the quarter pole.

The real drama unfolded at the top of the home stretch. As Journalism sought an opening, he was jostled hard between rivals, notably bumping with Goal Oriented to his outside and Clever Again to his inside near the three-sixteenths pole.

Despite the significant contact, which resulted in a stewards’ inquiry that ultimately led to no change in the order of finish, Journalism and Rispoli maintained their composure.

“A little gap was opened and I say, it’s now or never,” Rispoli recounted. After recovering from the bumping incident, Rispoli swung Journalism to the outside. In a breathtaking final eighth of a mile, Journalism unleashed an incredible closing kick, gobbling up ground to run down the front-running Gosger, who had opened up a seemingly insurmountable five-length lead in mid-stretch. Sandman rallied late for third.

The final time for the one and three-sixteenth miles over a fast track was 1:55.47.

For trainer Michael McCarthy, it marked his second Preakness Stakes victory, having previously won with Rombauer in 2021.

An emotional Rispoli, for whom this was a career-defining win, stated, “When I crossed the line all 20 of my years of riding crossed in front of me. I had to wait so long to ride a champion like that.”

The victory was a testament to Journalism’s guts and talent, rebounding from a runner-up finish in the Kentucky Derby two weeks prior.

“It took guts for Michael McCarthy to make this call to come here. It took guts for Umberto Rispoli to get sideswiped and thread the needle and power on through. And it took guts from an incredible horse to somehow will his way to victory,” said Aron Wellman, founder and president of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners.

This edition of the Preakness Stakes was also notable as the final running before Pimlico Race Course undergoes a major rebuilding project, with the 2026 renewal scheduled to be held at Laurel Park.

Scratched Horse(s): (none listed)

Fractional Times: 23.19, 46.66, 1:10.23, 1:35.89
Final Time: 1:55.47

Winning Connections

Winner: Journalism
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert V. LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5 LLC, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor, and Derrick Smith
Breeder: Don Alberto Corporation
Bloodline: Journalism, Bay Colt, by Curlin out of Mopotism, by Uncle Mo. Foaled February 6, 2022 in Kentucky.
Curlin stands at Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa, in Paris, KY.

Payouts

• $1.00 Exacta (2-9) Paid: $16.960
• $1.00 Trifecta (2-9-7) Paid: $73.50
• $1.00 Superfecta (6-7-3-1) Paid: $18.20

Race Replay