Journalism storms to victory in dramatic Preakness Stakes finish

BALTIMORE: In a thrilling conclusion to the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes at Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course, Journalism surged past longshot Gosger in the final strides to capture the win on Saturday. Ridden by Umberto Rispoli, the 3-year-old colt delivered a powerful late charge, overcoming traffic and contact in the stretch to earn a hard-fought victory.

Breaking cleanly from the second gate, Journalism settled off the early pace set by Clever Again. As the field turned for home, he appeared to be boxed in along the rail, trailing in sixth place. But Rispoli expertly maneuvered his mount between Goal Oriented and Clever Again—despite a bump involving all three—and set his sights on Gosger, who had opened a commanding lead.

With a relentless drive and remarkable closing speed, Journalism, sired by Curlin, reeled in Gosger just before the wire. The stewards conducted a review of the late-race bump but ultimately let the result stand.

The win marked trainer Michael McCarthy’s second career Preakness victory and another prestigious notch in a growing résumé. Journalism had finished second in the Kentucky Derby two weeks earlier, and while his team hasn’t confirmed whether he’ll contest the Belmont Stakes on June 7 at Saratoga, fans are already buzzing about a possible rematch with Derby winner Sovereignty.