Journalism has made a major comeback in the world of horse racing, particularly at the Preakness Stakes. The 3-year-old colt, Journalism, snagged a thrilling victory in a photo finish at the historic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. This win came just two weeks after narrowly missing out on the top spot at the Kentucky Derby.
Trainer Michael McCarthy celebrated his second Preakness win with Journalism’s impressive performance, reflecting on the horse’s resilience and determination. Despite initially trailing behind in the race, Journalism surged ahead in the final moments, crossing the finish line a half-length ahead of the competition. Gosger and Internet favorite Sandman followed closely behind, with Bob Baffert-trained Goal Oriented coming in fourth place.
Italian jockey Umberto Rispoli, who rode Journalism to victory, expressed his joy and gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a historic moment. This win not only marked Rispoli’s first triumph in a Triple Crown race but also made him the first Italian jockey to claim victory in any of the three legs. The significance of this achievement was not lost on Rispoli, who cherished the moment and reflected on his long journey to this point.
The Preakness Stakes also saw the absence of Sovereignty, the winner of the first leg of the Triple Crown, who opted out of the race shortly after his previous victory. This decision dashed hopes of a potential Triple Crown winner for the seventh consecutive year, adding another layer of unpredictability to the competition. Despite the lower prize purse compared to the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness offered an exciting and high-stakes race for both participants and spectators alike.
As the final race to be held at the old Pimlico Race Course before its renovation, Journalism’s victory will be remembered as a significant moment in the history of the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown. The demolition and reconstruction of the racecourse will mark the end of an era, making Journalism’s win all the more poignant for fans and participants alike.
