The long-standing tradition of recognising excellence in racing journalism and photography will continue at Laurel Park next week, with veteran writer Bob Ehalt and acclaimed photographer Charles Toler set to be honoured during the Alibi Breakfast on Thursday, May 14.
Held annually in the lead-up to the Preakness Stakes, the Alibi Breakfast remains one of the most recognisable gatherings on the American racing calendar, bringing together owners, trainers, jockeys, media members and fans for stories, predictions and reflections surrounding the second leg of the Triple Crown.
Ehalt, a respected journalist with the Blood-Horse, will receive the David F. Woods Memorial Award for best Preakness story for his piece titled “Journalism Battles Through Traffic to Win Preakness,” which appeared on the Blood-Horse website on May 17 following the 2025 running of the Grade 1 contest.
Written under deadline pressure, the article captured both the drama of the race itself and the demanding realities faced by reporters covering one of North America’s major racing events. It marks the second time Ehalt has received the Woods Award, having previously earned the honour in 2016 for his story “American Pharoah Makes It Look Easy,” published on espn.com after the champion colt’s memorable Triple Crown campaign.
The recognition further strengthens Ehalt’s standing as one of the most experienced voices in Thoroughbred journalism, particularly during Triple Crown season when coverage of the Preakness Stakes attracts global attention.
Photographer Charles Toler, based in Clarksville, Maryland, will receive the Jerry Frutkoff Photography Award for his striking image titled “The Bump.” The photograph captured a dramatic moment from the 2025 Preakness Stakes in which eventual winner Journalism was briefly boxed in and bumped by Goal Oriented during the running.
Taken from the rooftop fire escape at Pimlico Race Course, the image later appeared on the cover of Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred and quickly drew praise for both its timing and perspective.
The Alibi Breakfast itself dates back to the 1930s, when it began informally on the porch of historic Pimlico Race Course. Over the decades, it has evolved into one of the most anticipated traditions surrounding the Preakness Stakes, combining humour, storytelling and racing discussion ahead of the big race.
This year’s ceremony at Laurel Park will once again celebrate not only the horses and participants on the track, but also the journalists and photographers whose work preserves the sport’s defining moments for racing audiences around the world.
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