On May 17, 2025, Journalism, piloted by jockey Umberto Rispoli, triumphed in the 150th Preakness Stakes held at Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course. The horse staged a remarkable comeback, recovering from a challenging start and trailing by several lengths to outpace rival Gosger just before the finish line. This victory marks a significant achievement for both Rispoli, who became the first Italian jockey to win a Triple Crown race, and trainer Michael W. McCarthy, who celebrated his second Preakness win.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Overview of the Race Dynamics |
| 2) Trainer and Jockey Reactions |
| 3) Historical Context of the Preakness Stakes |
| 4) Impact of the Derby on the Preakness Field |
| 5) Future Implications for Triple Crown Races |
Overview of the Race Dynamics
The 150th Preakness Stakes unfolded with great anticipation. Journalism entered the race following a strong, if disappointing, showing in the Kentucky Derby, where it finished second after being the favorite. The race began with Clever Again leading the pack, closely followed by Gosger and River Thames, while Journalism lagged in the sixth position.
The race dynamics shifted dramatically as it progressed. Initially trailing by as much as five lengths, Journalism faced a significant challenge. However, as the horses approached the final straightaway, Journalism began to make a notable move, finding a narrow opening between Clever Again and Goal Oriented. This moment proved crucial, allowing Journalism to gain momentum. In the final stretch, with Rispoli’s encouragement, Journalism managed to surge ahead and secure the lead just before crossing the finish line. The result confirmed Journalism’s resilience and ability to recover under pressure.
Trainer and Jockey Reactions
Following the thrilling race, both the trainer and jockey expressed their amazement at the outcome. Michael W. McCarthy, the trainer of Journalism, was initially concerned as his horse fell behind the frontrunners. In a post-race interview, he remarked,
“My initial thought was, ‘Proud of the horse.’ Great effort, just gonna come up a little bit short.”
To his surprise, the race was not over, as Journalism powered through for a remarkable victory.
Jockey Umberto Rispoli, who made history as the first Italian jockey to win a Triple Crown race, shared his heartfelt gratitude after the race. He expressed his hope that people in Italy would take pride in his achievement, stating,
“I wish everybody over there are proud of me.”
The victory highlighted not only Rispoli’s skills as a rider but also the incredible teamwork between him and McCarthy.
Historical Context of the Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes, as the middle leg of the esteemed Triple Crown, has a rich history dating back to its inception. With this being the 150th running, the significance of the race was heightened. However, a concerning trend has emerged in recent years: Derby winners have increasingly skipped the Preakness, prompting discussions about the viability of the current schedule for these prestigious races. For instance, this year, Derby winner Sovereignty did not compete, with trainer Bill Mott citing the challenges posed by the short turnaround time. This marked the third occasion in the last four years where the Derby winner opted out of the Preakness.
The absence of a Derby champion not only affects the race’s competition level but also raises questions about the potential reforms needed for the Triple Crown series. The Preakness Stakes has become a significant platform for jockeys and trainers, each vying for showcasing their skills and thoroughbreds. This season, trainers with storied careers, such as Bob Baffert and D. Wayne Lukas, who collectively have over 19 Preakness victories, were still eager to compete, further contributing to the race’s historical significance.
Impact of the Derby on the Preakness Field
The recent Kentucky Derby created a ripple effect on the Preakness Stakes, particularly with several Derby contenders choosing to withdraw. The decision to sit out the Preakness by prominent horses raised eyebrows and led to increased scrutiny regarding the scheduling of these prestigious races. Many fans and analysts have begun questioning whether the two-week interval between these races remains practical, especially considering the physical demands placed on the horses.
With each withdrawal, the Preakness field saw a shift in dynamics, as trainers re-evaluated their strategies and contenders. Despite these challenges, Journalism emerged as the favorite, yet it faced the reality of competition from a strong field of nine horses. The discussions surrounding the Preakness’s scheduling and the ongoing trend of Derby winners skipping the event echoed throughout the racing community and highlighted the need for potential reform to maintain the integrity and excitement of the Triple Crown series.
Future Implications for Triple Crown Races
The Preakness Stakes presents a pivotal moment for the future of horse racing, especially concerning the structure of the Triple Crown. As trainers like Bill Mott openly express reservations about the two-week gap between the Derby and Preakness, industry experts are beginning to propose alternative scheduling options. There may be benefits to extending the time between these races to allow horses adequate recovery and training time, thus preserving both their health and competitive integrity.
Moreover, the conversations surrounding the nature of competition in the Preakness have led to increased scrutiny of how horses are prepared for races. Ensuring that top contenders participate not only enhances the quality of the races but also preserves the Preakness’s historical significance. As the Triple Crown continues to evolve, major decisions will need to be made to ensure the maximum level of competition and the health of the horses involved.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Journalism wins the 150th Preakness Stakes with an impressive comeback. |
| 2 | Umberto Rispoli becomes the first Italian jockey to win a Triple Crown race. |
| 3 | The race highlighted trends of Derby winners withdrawing from the Preakness. |
| 4 | Concerns arise regarding the two-week turnaround between Triple Crown races. |
| 5 | Industry experts call for discussions on potential reforms in the Triple Crown schedule. |
Summary
The 150th Preakness Stakes showcased an exhilarating display of horsemanship and strategy as Journalism secured a thrilling victory. This event not only highlighted the remarkable comeback of Journalism and the achievements of Rispoli and McCarthy but also opened discussions about the future of the Triple Crown series. As the racing community contemplates potential changes to scheduling and participant protocols, the Preakness Stakes maintains its status as a pivotal event in American horse racing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What were Journalism’s odds entering the Preakness Stakes?
Journalism opened with 8-5 odds on race day, which shifted to 6-5 by the time the race started.
Question: Who are some prominent trainers associated with the Preakness Stakes?
Notable trainers in the Preakness Stakes include Bob Baffert and D. Wayne Lukas, who each have multiple victories in the race.
Question: Why did some Derby winners skip the Preakness Stakes this year?
Trainer Bill Mott withdrew Derby winner Sovereignty due to concerns about the short turnaround between races, marking an ongoing trend in recent years.
