Journalism Wins 150st Preakness Stakes

HORSE RACINGNEWS
May 17, 2025

Preakness Stakes Winner:
Journalism Delivers Redemption at Pimlico

 

Journalism lived up to the hype and silenced the doubters on Saturday, storming down the stretch to win the historic 150th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course. The Michael McCarthy-trained colt first crossed the finish line in a thrilling renewal of the Triple Crown’s second jewel two weeks after a runner-up finish in the Kentucky Derby.

With Umberto Rispoli aboard, Journalism broke sharply from post position two and settled comfortably behind the early speed, biding his time through sharp early fractions set by front-runners Goal Oriented and Clever Again. As the field turned for home, Rispoli swung Journalism three wide, and the chestnut son of Curlin unleashed a decisive move that quickly swallowed up the leaders and propelled him to a 1 ¾-length victory.

“Today, he showed the world what we’ve believed all along,” said McCarthy, who claimed his first win in a Triple Crown race. “The Derby was frustrating, but he bounced out of it in great shape. We knew coming into Pimlico he’d be ready.”

 

Race Recap and Declarations After Race

 

The final time for the 1 3/16-mile contest was 1:55.81 over a fast track, and Journalism’s tactical brilliance was on full display as he claimed the $1.65 million winner’s share of the $3 million purse. The victory also marks the first Preakness win for jockey Umberto Rispoli, who was visibly emotional in the winner’s circle.

“I’ve dreamed of this moment my whole life,” said Rispoli. “He gave me everything today. He was calm, focused, and when I asked him to go, he gave me that extra gear. He’s a special horse.”

River Thames closed late to finish second, just edging out longshot Gosger, who earned a surprising third-place finish at odds of 25-1. Sandman, who was expected to challenge late, never got into stride and finished a disappointing sixth.

With Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty skipping the Preakness in favor of the Belmont Stakes, the spotlight was firmly on Journalism. Bettors backed him heavily, and he went off as the 7-5 favorite in the updated Preakness Stakes odds. The result confirmed his status as the top three-year-old currently on the circuit.

The win sent ripples through the Preakness Stakes betting world, particularly among those who included Journalism in exotic wagers such as exactas and trifectas. Many saw this race as his to lose, and he delivered with authority.

 

Will Journalism be running the Belmont Stakes?

 

Attention now turns to whether Journalism will be pointed toward the Belmont Stakes on June 8. A showdown with Sovereignty would offer a thrilling finale to the Triple Crown series and set up a true rubber match between two of the best colts in the country.

For now, though, McCarthy and his team will relish a hard-earned victory at Pimlico.

“We’re going to enjoy this moment,” McCarthy said. “Today was about redemption. Journalism proved he belongs at the top.”

 

Preakness Stakes Final Results and Payouts

 

2025 Preakness Stakes Results

ResultTimePostHorseJockeyTrainer
1 1:55.472 Journalism Umberto RispoliMichael McCarthy
2 9GosgerLuis SaezBrendan Walsh
3 7Sandman John VelazquezMark Casse

2025 Preakness Stakes Payouts

ResultTimePostHorseJockeyTrainer
1 1:55.472 Journalism Umberto RispoliMichael McCarthy
2 9GosgerLuis SaezBrendan Walsh
3 7Sandman John VelazquezMark Casse
PPHorsesWinPlaceShow
2Journalism$4.00$2.80$2.40
9Gosger $9.00$5.40
7Sandman  $3.60

 

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