Journalism a Determined Preakness Winner

Future Coolmore stallion Journalism continued his outstanding 3-year-old campaign on Saturday when overcoming trouble in the stretch to win the Grade I Preakness Stakes.

Coming back two weeks after finishing second in the Grade I Kentucky Derby, he had a perfect start in the 1 3/16-mile race. He quickly settled into a spot on the rail in midpack as the heavy favorite, where he was happy to let others battle in front.

Jockey Umberto Rispoli asked his mount to pick up as they entered the turn and Journalism complied. The colt had to slide through a hole to make his true challenge for a lead and was briefly bumped by his foes in that spot.

During that time, Gosger opened multiple lengths on the field, but Journalism wasn’t to be denied. Finding another gear in the final furlong, Journalism flew after the leader to snatch glory from that runner and win by half a length.

Coolmore races the Michael McCarthy trainee in partnership with Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5, and Robert LaPenta. The colt has already put together an outstanding resume as the winner of the Preakness, Grade I Santa Anita Derby, Grade II San Felipe Stakes, and Grade II Los Alamitos Futurity in his five stakes attempts. In all, the Curlin son has won five of his seven starts.

Purchased by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners from Denali Stud for $825,000, the Don Alberto bred is out of Grade II winner and multiple Grade I placed Mopotism. That mare is a daughter of Coolmore’s legendary stallion Uncle Mo and is one of four winners out of a half-sister to Grade II winner Songster.

It was announced in March that Journalism will be retiring to Coolmore upon his retirement.