Jockey Umberto Rispoli rides Journalism is all fired up as he edges out Jockey Luis Saez riding Gosger in the 150th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore (AP News photo)
By Jessica Kwong
After taking second place in the Kentucky Derby, Journalism charged to the finish line and won the 150th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on Saturday evening.
Journalism came down the stretch from behind for a thrilling finish over eight other horses in the second leg of the Triple Crown. The three-year-old colt passed Gosger, who finished as the runner-up a half-length behind. Journalism entered with 8-5 odds and won the $2 million race in 1:55:37, while Sandman took third.
It was jockey Umberto Rispoli’s first victory in a Triple Crown race and he became the first from Italy to achieve the feat.
“I couldn’t sleep for four nights after the Derby. But today, I had faith in my horse. I waited 20 years for a moment like this, and it was worth every second,’ said Rispoli. “I wish everybody over there (in Italy) are proud of me.”
Rispoli fully credited Journalism for the victory.
“I still can’t realize what this horse did,” he said. “It’s all about him. It’s a pleasure and privilege to ride a horse like him.”
Journalism delivered the second Preakness win for his trainer, Michael McCarthy, who last won with Rombauer in 2021.
“A lot of bouncing around there. When I saw that, I kind of resigned myself to the fact it was another fantastic effort and maybe come up a little bit short,” said McCarthy. “But it just goes to show the testament that this horse has. Couldn’t be prouder of him.”
Journalism’s co-owner, Aron Wellman, called the horse, Rispoli and McCarthy all champions.
Though Journalism came up short in the Derby, he was still the favorite for the Preakness.
The Derby winner, Sovereignty, did not run in the Preakness after his trainer withdrew him due to the two-week turnaround between the races. It marked the fifth time in seven years that there was no chance for a true Triple Crown winner.
However, there will be a possible rematch between Journalism and Sovereignty in the final leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, which will take place on June 7 at Saratoga Race Course.
Preakness Stakes 2025 finishing order:
1. Journalism (EVEN) – 1:55.47
2. Gosger (15-1) – ½ lengths behind
3. Sandman (6-1) – 2¾
4. Goal Oriented (8-1) – 6¾
5. Heart of Honor (20-1) – 8¾
6. River Thames (9-1) – 11½
7. Pay Billy (11-1) – 16½
8. American Promise (9-1) – 18¼
Sports Radio Service 