Journalism storms back to win 150th Preakness Stakes in dramatic finish

BALTIMORE (KYMA, KECY) - The 150th running of the Preakness Stakes didn't offer a Triple Crown storyline, but it delivered a dramatic finish that won’t be forgotten any time soon.

Journalism, the race favorite at 6-5 odds, delivered a heart-pounding, come-from-behind victory at historic Pimlico Race Course on Saturday, surging past longshot Gosger in the final strides to capture the second jewel of the Triple Crown.

Ridden by Umberto Rispoli and trained by Michael McCarthy, Journalism seemed destined for another runner-up spot after trailing in the stretch just two weeks after finishing second in the Kentucky Derby.

But this time, the three-year-old colt had one final burst, powering past the 15-1 Gosger to win by a half-length.

"I honestly thought we were going to come up short again," McCarthy admitted after the race. "But this horse just dug in. He showed what he's made of."

For Rispoli, the win was a career milestone. It was not only his first Preakness ride, but also his first win in a Triple Crown race, and it came after years of hard work and near-misses.

"I couldn’t sleep for four nights after the Derby," Rispoli said. "But today, I had faith in my horse. I waited 20 years for a moment like this, and it was worth every second."

The nine-horse field was missing Sovereignty, the Derby winner, whose team chose to skip the Preakness to focus on the Belmont Stakes in June. That absence meant there was no Triple Crown at stake but the race didn't lack excitement.

In a race that saw Journalism get bumped heading into the far turn by Goal Oriented, the favorite had to reset and refocus. It didn't look promising until the final furlong.

Behind Journalism and Gosger, Sandman crossed the line in third, with Goal Oriented settling for fourth.

Saturday's edition also marked the final Preakness at the old Pimlico, with the track set to be demolished and rebuilt after decades of service.

In 2026, the race will move to Laurel Park, with a return to a new Pimlico planned for 2027.

Fittingly, the last Preakness at "Old Hilltop" ended with a classic stretch duel and a champion who proved his grit.