Journalism Clinches Historic Victory at the 150th Preakness Stakes

Earlier this month, Journalism came second at the Kentucky Derby. However, on Saturday, at the revered Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Journalism seized a dramatic victory in the 150th Preakness Stakes, marking the second contest in the prestigious Triple Crown series.

Favored with 8-5 odds, Journalism surged ahead in the final stretch, overcoming a lineup of eight competitors to seize the win.

Trailing by just half a length, Gosger claimed second, overtaken by Journalism in the race's final moments. Sandman secured third place, while Goal Oriented finished fourth. The exceptional performance was timed at 1:55.37 over 1 3/16 miles.

This triumph delivered trainer Michael McCarthy his second Preakness triumph. It also marked the first Triple Crown success for jockey Umberto Rispoli, who proudly became the first Italian to achieve this feat.

Absent from the race was the Kentucky Derby victor, Sovereignty, a three-year-old colt expected to face Journalism in a promising rematch at the Belmont Stakes on June 7, at New York's Saratoga Race Course.

For five times in seven years, the Preakness has been held without contenders vying for a Triple Crown sweep.

Nevertheless, Journalism staked his claim as the standout three-year-old of the year by triumphing in this $2 million American classic, the last to be held at the storied Pimlico before its scheduled demolition and reconstruction. The next Preakness is slated for Laurel Park, roughly equidistant between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., with plans to return to Pimlico in 2027.

Benefitting from a warm afternoon that dried the track following a week of heavy rain, Journalism performed better under these conditions than he did in the wet conditions of the Derby.

Notably, Journalism is the first horse since 2019's War of Will, trained by Mark Casse, to win the Preakness following participation in the Kentucky Derby. Of the 19 Derby contenders, only Casse’s Sandman and Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas’ American Promise joined Journalism at the Preakness.