In a spectacular display of determination and raw talent, Journalism secured a memorable win in the historic 150th edition of the Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course on May 17. After a disappointing run as the beaten favorite in the Kentucky Derby, the colt bounced back in emphatic style, cementing his place among the elite three-year-olds of the season. His victory came with added significance, as it marked the final Preakness run at the current Pimlico venue before the facility undergoes a major renovation.
The grand event offered a purse of $2 million and was the highlight of a 14-race card that featured 10 stakes races, five of which were graded, with total prize money reaching $3.3 million. With the Pimlico grandstand set for demolition, Saturday’s Preakness closed a defining chapter in the race’s rich history. The race will temporarily shift to Laurel Park next year before returning to a reimagined Pimlico in 2027.
Trained by Michael McCarthy, Journalism showcased his resilience with a powerful closing move. Facing a challenging trip that included interference in the homestretch, the colt surged forward under jockey Umberto Rispoli, overtaking longshot Gosger in the final strides. It was a redemption moment for the son of Curlin, who had fallen just short in the Derby after a troubled trip.
Rispoli guided Journalism with patience, keeping him tucked along the inside in the early stages as the frontrunners set a swift pace. As the field turned for home, a bump from a rival seemed to jeopardize their chances. Despite the setback, Journalism dug deep, recovered momentum, and charged through the final furlong to win by a narrow half-length, stopping the clock at 1:55.47 for the 1 3/16 miles on a fast track.
Behind the winner, Sandman took third after finishing more than two lengths behind Gosger, with Goal Oriented coming in fourth. The rest of the field included Heart of Honor, River Thames, Pay Billy, American Promise, and Clever Again, who was eased late in the race.
This milestone win was McCarthy’s second in the Preakness, the first coming with Rombauer in 2021. It also marked a major career milestone for Rispoli, who celebrated his first victory in a Triple Crown race. The Italian-born jockey had already made an impact earlier in the day by capturing the Gallorette Stakes (G3) aboard Charlene’s Dream.
Much like his triumph in the Santa Anita Derby earlier in the season, Journalism once again demonstrated his ability to overcome adversity and find a way to the wire. His connections have every reason to be optimistic about his next potential appearance—the Belmont Stakes on June 7 at Saratoga—where a rematch with Sovereignty could be on the cards.
This performance not only solidified Journalism‘s standing as a serious contender on the national stage, but also brought a fitting and emotional close to the era of racing at the current Pimlico track. With a new chapter set to begin in the storied history of the Preakness, Journalism’s stirring victory will long be remembered as a defining moment of transition in American Thoroughbred racing.
