Journalism Wins Preakness 2025 After Late Surge Drama \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Journalism surged from behind after mid-race contact to win the 150th Preakness Stakes, giving trainer Michael McCarthy his second career Triple Crown victory. Jockey Umberto Rispoli made history as the first Italian to win a Triple Crown race. Sovereignty’s absence left the door open for Journalism to claim the spotlight.
Quick Looks
- Journalism wins 150th Preakness after bump and late comeback.
- Goal Oriented made contact, but Journalism powered through.
- Gosger finishes second by half a length; Sandman third.
- Michael McCarthy earns second Triple Crown win as trainer.
- Umberto Rispoli becomes first Italian jockey to win a leg.
- Sovereignty skipped Preakness; Belmont showdown expected next.
- Journalism paid $4 to win on $2 bet.
- Final Preakness held at old Pimlico before 2027 rebuild.
- Preakness to be held at Laurel Park in 2026.
- McCarthy dedicates win to wildfire-ravaged Altadena community.
Deep Look
In one of the most compelling chapters of modern Triple Crown history, Journalism surged from behind with tenacity and speed to clinch the 150th Preakness Stakes on Saturday at the historic Pimlico Race Course. What began as a potentially disappointing repeat of the Kentucky Derby turned into a career-defining triumph for both horse and rider in a race defined by adversity, resilience, and impeccable timing.
The Michael McCarthy-trained colt, favored coming into the race, was bumped during a critical moment near the quarter pole by Goal Oriented, creating a tense and uncertain scene on the homestretch. After such contact and disruption, many watchers expected a repeat of the Derby scenario, where Journalism had to settle for second behind Sovereignty. But this time, the storyline shifted dramatically.
Under the skilled guidance of Umberto Rispoli, Journalism gathered momentum and burst through the narrowest of windows. With an astonishing late drive, the colt surged past front-runner Gosger, winning by a half-length. Completing the 1 3/16 miles in 1:55.37, Journalism delivered what might become the signature moment of this year’s Triple Crown season.
“There was a lot of bouncing around there,” McCarthy said afterward. “When I saw that, I kind of resigned myself to another great effort that might fall short. But this horse’s heart and determination—it’s unbelievable. I couldn’t be prouder.”
Gosger finished a valiant second, while Sandman, another returning Kentucky Derby competitor, placed third. Bob Baffert’s Goal Oriented, who had been one of the early pace-setters, faded to fourth.
But the victory belonged to Umberto Rispoli, who not only executed a technically brilliant ride but also made history by becoming the first Italian jockey to win a Triple Crown race. The emotional significance of the moment was not lost on Rispoli, who has spent two decades riding internationally, building a reputation for patience and racecraft.
“When I crossed the wire, the first thing that came to my mind was all 20 years of my career,” said an emotional Rispoli. “To finally be on a champion like this, to win a race like the Preakness—it’s everything I’ve dreamed of.”
Track Turnaround and Strategic Edge
Leading up to the race, weather conditions were a significant concern. Heavy rainfall had soaked the Pimlico track during the week, but a dry and warm race day helped create a fast surface. That shift favored Journalism, who was less effective in the slop at Churchill Downs in the Derby.
The combination of improved track conditions, a favorable pace scenario, and Rispoli’s masterful handling allowed the colt to shine. Journalism’s ability to adapt, handle mid-race adversity, and unleash a strong finish reinforced his credentials as one of the elite 3-year-olds in North America.
Trainer Bob Baffert, despite Goal Oriented’s fourth-place finish, had nothing but praise for Journalism.
“He’s a remarkable horse,” Baffert noted. “We wanted to be on the lead, but we got stuck behind horses. Goal Oriented got intimidated. He’s never run like that before—he’s still too green. Journalism just proved how special he is.”
Sovereignty’s Absence and Implications for the Belmont
A significant talking point before the race was the absence of Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby champion. Trainer Bill Mott and the colt’s owners decided to skip the Preakness to focus on the Belmont Stakes on June 7, citing the tight two-week turnaround between races. As a result, this marked the fifth time in the past seven years that the Preakness was run without a live Triple Crown bid on the line.
Despite Sovereignty’s absence, the 2024 Preakness did not lack intrigue or drama. Instead, it became a showcase of how one horse could overcome the odds, navigate a chaotic field, and etch his name into racing lore. With this win, Journalism made a strong case for 3-year-old Horse of the Year, especially if he can follow up with another impressive performance at the Belmont.
End of an Era at Pimlico
This year’s race also marked a bittersweet milestone: the final Preakness Stakes held at the current Pimlico Race Course before it undergoes demolition and redevelopment. The historic Baltimore venue, which has hosted the Preakness since 1873, will see the event temporarily relocated to Laurel Park in 2025 and 2026. Plans call for the Preakness to return to a fully rebuilt Pimlico in 2027, featuring updated facilities and modern amenities.
For McCarthy and his team, the race carried even more emotional weight. The trainer and his family are currently displaced due to wildfires in Southern California, adding a layer of personal struggle and perseverance to the professional triumph.
“We’re going to rebuild,” McCarthy said. “This win is for everyone back in Altadena. It’s a reminder that even through adversity, there’s always something to fight for.”
Rising Star and Historical Comparisons
Journalism became the first horse since War of Will in 2019 to win the Preakness after running in the Derby. He was one of just three Derby runners to appear at Pimlico, alongside Sandman and American Promise, trained by the legendary D. Wayne Lukas. Lukas, who holds the record for the most horses saddled in the Preakness, jokingly referred to McCarthy as “the new guy.” But with two wins in just two starts in the Preakness—Rombauer in 2021 and now Journalism—McCarthy is quickly making his own legacy.
With this victory, Journalism’s trajectory has dramatically shifted. He’s now not just a top contender but a symbol of determination, the embodiment of what elite racing represents: agility, speed, courage, and the heart to overcome when it counts the most.
As the sport prepares to turn the page on Pimlico’s historic layout, Journalism gave fans and followers a final memory they won’t soon forget.
