ANNAPOLIS, MD — At a press conference in Annapolis today, Governor Wes Moore, The Maryland Jockey Club, and NBC Sports announced several updates to the 2027 Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the historic Triple Crown, a term coined in 1930.

The 152nd Preakness Stakes will be run at Pimlico Race Course on Sunday, May 23, eight days after the traditional third Saturday in May date. To enhance the weeklong festivities in Baltimore, the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes card, usually held on Friday, Preakness Eve, will be moved to Saturday, May 22. The Preakness Stakes program, the highlight of the special racing weekend, will conclude the festival on Sunday.

“Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement,” said Bill Knauf, President and General Manager of the Maryland Jockey Club. “We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”

Knauf continued. “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness. We are going to build a championship weekend in Baltimore, with the Black-Eyed Susan now on Saturday. In most years, this new date falls on Memorial Day weekend, and we believe this creates tremendous excitement for our local economy and businesses. Baltimore will become the place to be on Memorial Day weekends, as the spotlight of the racing world descends on Pimlico.”

The Maryland Jockey Club has renewed its media rights agreement with NBC Sports for the Preakness, ensuring the race will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock through 2032. The Maryland Jockey Club, founded in 1743, is the oldest sports association in the United States

“We have successfully secured the future of Preakness here in the state of Maryland for decades to come; and I am delighted that the Maryland Jockey Club has renewed its media partnership with NBC and Peacock as we enter this exciting new era,” said Gov. Moore.

“The continuation of this relationship and the new schedule ensures optimal and accessible coverage for everyone from horse racing experts to casual fans, as our administration continues making historic investments and leveraging the iconic race as a cornerstone of Maryland’s history, culture and economy.”

The ongoing partnership between NBC Sports and the Maryland Jockey Club, established in 2001, will make NBC the longest-standing broadcaster of the Preakness Stakes.

“We are excited to continue our relationship as the media home of the Preakness Stakes, and look forward to an enhanced schedule, showcasing Maryland’s best races on both Saturday and Sunday,” said Jon Miller, President, Acquisitions & Partnerships, NBC Sports. “This extension is a testament to the strength of the relationship between the Maryland Jockey Club and NBC Sports and underscores our commitment to horse racing.”

The extension includes multiplatform rights to the Preakness Stakes, Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, and extensive Preakness weekend programming, all presented on NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN.

Inaugurated in 1873, the Preakness is not only one of America’s great sporting events and part of the prestigious Triple Crown series of races but also an iconic cultural tradition in Maryland and among racing fans worldwide.

“Bringing the Derby winner to the Preakness is unlike anything else in racing,” said trainer Graham Motion. “I was lucky enough to experience it with Animal Kingdom. The energy is incredible, and it feels like the whole crowd is behind you. It’s a moment every trainer dreams of.”

In a Monday post on X, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert said, “The greatest achievement in racing will always be winning the Triple Crown – The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. The Triple Crown has sustained our sport for more than 150 years, and it will continue to do so for another 150 years or more if we appreciate and care for it. The Preakness is integral to racing’s history, present, and future, and I hope nothing detracts from its significance.”

“The Preakness Stakes is a cornerstone of Maryland’s history, culture, and economy– so our administration is dedicated to preserving our state as a key power player in the Triple Crown for generations to come,” said Gov. Moore. “With this final acquisition we are not only leveraging the Preakness’s iconic status and uplifting our horse racing industry, we are revitalizing the communities that directly benefit from the economic opportunities of the race.”

The Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) issued notes to finance the acquisition. No General Fund tax dollars are being expended to acquire the IP rights.

“MEDCO is proud to have had the opportunity to conceive and execute a financial transaction that secures ownership of the Preakness and Black-eyed Susan IP and cements the success of horse racing in Maryland for generations to come,” said Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) Chief Executive Officer Tom Sadowski.

Through this acquisition, the State of Maryland secured ownership of the valuable IP rights, ensuring that the Preakness will call Baltimore and Maryland home well into the future and the State will remain in firm control of Maryland’s multi-billion dollar equine industry. With the acquisition of the IP rights, the State of Maryland now possesses sole ownership of the vital assets that drive its horseracing sector– with Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park under control of the Maryland Stadium Authority and day-to-day horseracing being overseen by The Maryland Jockey Club, a not-for-profit organization established by state law.

“We thank Governor Moore for his leadership on this acquisition and look forward to executing the State’s vision for a world-class Preakness and Black-Eyed Susan event next year at the new Pimlico,” said Bill Knauf, President and General Manager of The Maryland Jockey Club. “With all assets now residing with the State, we will work closely with the Maryland, Baltimore and Park Heights business communities to showcase the Preakness on the national stage.”

This acquisition is a strategic move to ensure the Preakness Stakes remains a world-class event, managed in the best interest of Maryland’s racing community and taxpayers. By owning the IP, the State will no longer be subject to the disadvantageous fee structure of the existing exclusive licensing agreement, which would have escalated costs for the State over time. Instead, the State will operate under a model that prioritizes industry health and community benefit, consistent with the nonprofit model adopted by the Maryland Jockey Club.

The State remains committed to growing the Preakness and enhancing its status as a premier event in the Triple Crown. The Maryland Jockey Club has already secured partnerships with best-in-class industry leaders, including Oak View Group for sponsorship growth and KO Productions for world-class event production. While the State will now own the IP, it remains open to identifying areas of mutual interest with Churchill Downs and other industry partners to benefit the broader Triple Crown and the sport of horseracing.

In 2024, the Maryland General Assembly authorized the Maryland Stadium Authority to issue $400 million in bonds to redevelop the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. The new facility will support over 500 jobs, and go from hosting approximately 15 racing days per year to becoming the permanent home of Maryland Thoroughbred racing with more than 100 racing days annually. As the centerpiece of Maryland’s Thoroughbred racing industry—which sustains more than 28,000 jobs and has generated approximately $3 billion in economic impact—the new Pimlico Race Course will be a year-round hub of economic activity for Park Heights, surrounding communities, and Baltimore City.

The State of Maryland has also prioritized investments in Park Heights through the ENOUGH Initiative, which has provided nearly $3 million to revitalization efforts led by Park Heights Renaissance. One of 27 ENOUGH communities, Park Heights is implementing evidence-backed initiatives to improve the wellbeing of young people, including revitalizing vacant homes, addressing food insecurity for residents, and strengthening educational resources for parents.

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore today attended the demolition ceremony for the Clubhouse at Pimlico Race Course in Park Heights, Baltimore. The demolition marks a significant stage in the redevelopment of the Pimlico Race Course into a best-in-class facility, and the permanent home of Maryland Thoroughbred racing—elevating Maryland’s status as a premiere tourism and sports entertainment destination. Demolition will be completed by the end of this year, with new racecourse construction beginning by early 2026.

“For this to be Maryland’s Decade, it has to be Baltimore’s Time,” said Gov. Moore. “We’ve been very clear that our work to revitalize Pimlico is about more than a racetrack—it’s also about spurring economic growth and driving community development in Park Heights. Together, we are proving that we don’t have to choose between supercharging key state assets and leaving no one behind. We can, and we will, do both.”

Governor and First Lady Moore were joined by Maryland Stadium Authority Board of Directors Chairman Craig Thompson, Pimlico Community Advisory Board Chairman Bishop Troy Randall, members of the Maryland General Assembly and Baltimore City Council, as well as stakeholders from across Maryland for the ceremony.

“Today marks the next leg of our journey to secure the future of horse racing in Maryland, as the reimagined Pimlico will create jobs, grow our economy, and generate a year-round hub of economic activity for Park Heights and for all of Baltimore,” said First Lady Dawn Moore. “When our people win, Maryland wins. As co-chair of the Preakness Festival, I am proud to be part of this moment together in partnership with our state, local, and community leaders.”

The new facility will support over 500 jobs, and go from hosting approximately 15 racing days per year to becoming the permanent home of Maryland Thoroughbred racing with more than 100 racing days annually. As the centerpiece of Maryland’s Thoroughbred racing industry—which sustains more than 28,000 jobs and has generated approximately $3 billion in economic impact—the new Pimlico Race Course will be a year-round hub of economic activity for Park Heights, surrounding communities, and Baltimore City.

“As someone who grew up in Park Heights, down the road from Pimlico, this project is especially significant to me,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “This is hopefully the start of a new era of events and engagement at this site, where residents and visitors alike can experience everything Park Heights has to offer.”

In 2024, the Maryland General Assembly authorized the Maryland Stadium Authority to issue $400 million in bonds to redevelop the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. The legislature also authorized the Maryland Stadium Authority to construct a new horseracing training facility, which will be at Shamrock Farm in Carroll County. The new training ground will offer 328 pastoral acres to create a best-in-class training facility with more than 800 boarded horses, housing for backstretch workers, a new clubhouse, paddock, pavilion and training track with dimensions identical to those at the current Pimlico site.

“The Maryland Stadium Authority—in partnership with MEDCO, and the Maryland Jockey Club, with the Park Heights community—will oversee the transformation of the Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness Stakes, into a year-round racing facility that will bring economic benefits to Maryland for many years to come,” said Maryland Stadium Authority Chair Craig A. Thompson.

“Governor Wes Moore has been a forceful advocate for the redevelopment of both the Pimlico race track and the Pimlico community,” said Delegate Sandy Rosenberg. “From the new Enoch Pratt Library branch, to new housing for 200 residents, we are thankful to the state, the city and our philanthropic partners for actively participating in the cross-sector effort to bring investment to the community at Woodland and Park Heights Avenue. I, alongside my 40th and 41st District colleagues, am thankful to finally begin to see the benefits of the public investment we’ve long advocated for.”

(Edited MSA release)

BALTIMORE – The Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) announced that the structural demolition necessary for the Redevelopment of the Pimlico Racing Facility project began on Thursday, July 24, 2025 with the razing of the existing barns and outbuildings adjacent to Winner Avenue. Clark Construction Group, LLC, MSA’s Construction Manager, is tasked with the demolition.

In 2024, the Maryland legislature passed HB 1524 Racing Facility Ownership and Construction – Racing Operations which authorizes the MSA to issue $400 million in bonds to finance, demolish, design, and reconstruct the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore and to build a new training facility at Shamrock Farm in Carroll County. Design of both facilities is led by Ayers Saint Gross/Populous and Clark Construction Group, LLC is tasked with the construction.

The demolition package was approved by the MSA Board of Directors and the Maryland Board of Public Works in May 2025. After the successful completion of the 150th Preakness Stakes, the operator and all horses moved out of the facility, the Maryland State Archives removed and secured existing artifacts from the property, and the MSA and its project partners began securing the Pimlico site by installing temporary fencing, performing pest control, preparing utilities, and conducting abatement as necessary and important steps as part of the demolition process. MSA is pleased that structural demolition of the facility began at the end of this week. A ceremonial event to commence the demolition of the existing Clubhouse is under development to mark this important project milestone later this summer.

As part of the project, MSA will develop an exhibition about the history and significance of the Pimlico Race Course. The exhibition will use artifacts, oral histories, photographs, salvaged materials, and other appropriate graphics for display in the newly constructed Clubhouse and the publicly accessible spaces on the property and its perimeter. Themes highlighted will include, at a minimum, the history of Thoroughbred Racing in Maryland, Pimlico’s role in the history of Thoroughbred Racing, African American jockeys’ roles in Thoroughbred Racing, and the history and significance of Preakness.

A high level demolition schedule is available on MSA’s website in the presentation provided at the recent Pimlico Community Advisory Board (PCAB) meeting. MSA encourages residents and businesses near the Pimlico project to sign-up for the monthly community newsletter for information on upcoming construction activities, outages and major impacts, project milestones, plus bid and employment opportunities.

During the demolition and construction process all racing and training will occur at Laurel Park. The 151st Preakness Stakes will take place at Laurel Park and the 152nd Preakness Stakes is expected to return to Pimlico Race Course in 2027.

“Through this multi-year transformational project, the Pimlico Race Course will become a year-round racing facility bringing in economic benefits to the surrounding communities and further elevating Maryland, home of the Preakness Stakes, as a premiere sports tourism destination,” said Craig A. Thompson, Chair of the Maryland Stadium Authority.

To learn more about the Redevelopment of the Pimlico Facility and New Training Center, please click here.

About:

The Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) was established by the Maryland General Assembly in 1986 to build, manage, and maintain quality facilities to retain Major League Baseball, and return the National Football League to Maryland. MSA’s mission has expanded and evolved over the years to include sports marketing, and numerous highly visible economic studies, construction projects, and programs. Previously, MSA managed the Pimlico Race Course studies that examined the present conditions of Pimlico, and envisioned an ideal venue for the Preakness Stakes with year-round non-racing use of the facility for the benefit of the community. To date, MSA has completed $7 billion of projects across the state of Maryland.

www.MDStad.com

About The Maryland Jockey Club

The Maryland Jockey Club, founded in 1743, is the oldest sporting association in the United States and conducts live thoroughbred racing at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course. Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, The Maryland Jockey Club, a nonprofit organization under the auspices of the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority, will oversee day-to-day racing in the state. For more information on The Maryland Jockey Club, please contact Dan Illman at Dan.Illman@marylandracing.com.

BALTIMORE – Highlighted by runner-up finishes in both the 150th Preakness Stakes (G1), Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown, and $300,000 George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan (G2) for 3-year-old fillies, Brendan Walsh earned the top prize of $50,000 in 1/ST Racing’s $100,000 trainer bonus offered to horsemen for their participation in stakes races over Preakness weekend, May 16 and 17, at Pimlico Race Course.

A native of County Cork, Ireland, Walsh celebrated his 52nd birthday May 15. A former exercise rider for Godolphin and assistant to trainers Mark Wallace in England and Eddie Kenneally in the U.S., he went out on his own in 2012 and owns 773 wins and more than $62 million in purse earnings. His top horses include Grade 1-winning millionaires Pretty Mischievous, Maxfield, Santin and Extravagant Kid.

On the weekend Walsh started horses in five stakes, most notably having 15-1 longshot Gosger get nailed near the wire in a miraculous comeback by favored Kentucky Derby (G1) runner-up Journalism in the Preakness, losing by a half-length. Earlier in the day he saw Austere finish behind upset winner Charlene’s Dream in the $150,000 Gallorette (G3) for fillies and mares on the turf.

Friday’s card for Walsh began in the $125,000 Hilltop for 3-year-old fillies on the grass, finishing first and fourth respectively with Play With Fire and Sigh No More. San Siro later ran fourth in the historic $250,000 Pimlico Special (G3) for 3-year-olds and up at the Preakness distance of 1 3/16 miles, and Paris Lily nearly pulled off a front-running upset in the Black-Eyed Susan in settling for second, three-quarters of a length behind favored Margie’s Intention.

Walsh finished with a total of 37 points, six more than runner-up and four-time top bonus winner, Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen.

To be eligible for the bonus, trainers had to run a minimum of five horses in the 15 Thoroughbred stakes, seven graded, worth $4.35 million in purses offered during Preakness weekend. Points were accumulated for finishing first (10), second (seven), third (five), fourth (three) and fifth through last (one).

The trainer with the most points earned $50,000, followed by $25,000 for second, $12,000 for third, $7,000 for fourth, $4,000 for fifth $2,000 for sixth.

This marked the ninth straight year the trainer bonus program has been offered. Asmussen earned the top prize in 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2022. Brad Cox (2019), Mike Maker (2020), Graham Motion (2023) and Cherie DeVaux (2024) have also led the standings.

Asmussen has won more races than any trainer in Thoroughbred history with nearly 10,900. He had two wins over Preakness weekend, both on Saturday – the $150,000 Maryland Sprint (G3) with Booth and listed $125,000 Skipat with Zeitlos. His Preakness contender, Clever Again, ran last of nine after a troubled trip.

On Friday Asmussen ran second with Accomplished Girl in the $125,000 The Very One; fifth with Mila Rose in the $150,000 Miss Preakness (G3); and ninth with Red Route One in the Pimlico Special and Runnin N Gunnin in the Black-Eyed Susan.

Cox wound up third with 25 points, topped by Margie’s Intention in the Black-Eyed Susan, also running third and seventh, respectively, with Encino and Star of Wonder in the Pimlico Special and eighth in the Miss Preakness with Stunner. His lone Saturday starter, Invictus, was third in the $100,000 Sir Barton.

Saffie Joseph Jr., based primarily in South Florida at Gulfstream Park, finished fourth with 20 points led by seconds from Dazzling Move in Friday’s listed $125,000 Allaire du Pont Distaff and Cash Equity in Saturday’s $250,000 Dinner Party (G3).

Maryland-based trainers rounded out the top six. Graham Motion was fifth with 17 points, running second with Pretty Lavish in the Hilltop and Soleil Volant in Saturday’s $100,000 James W. Murphy. Right behind with 16 points was Brittany Russell, the state’s winningest trainer in 2023 and 2024, highlighted by Bosserati’s comeback triumph in the five-furlong The Very One.

Bonus money totaling $50,000 was also offered for trainers having the most points in non-stakes races during Preakness weekend. Points were accumulated in similar fashion with $25,000 going to the leader, $10,000 to second, $7,500 to third, $4,000 to fourth, $2,500 to fifth and $1,000 to sixth.

Trainers needed to have a minimum of three starts to qualify for the bonus. The four trainers that qualified and earned bonus money were Mike Trombetta (24 points), Russell (21), Jose Magana (nine) and Jane Cibelli (five). Bonus money for places five and six reverted back to 1/ST.

BALTIMORE – What’s next for Journalism, remarkable winner of the 150th Preakness Stakes Saturday?

It was TBD as of Sunday morning at Pimlico Race Course.

Stay tuned.

For sure, the Curlin colt trained by Michael McCarthy and co-owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5 LLC, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, will be leaving Pimlico in a day or two. The historic facility is being demolished and rebuilt and there will be no horses training on the grounds for at least two years during construction of a new facility.

McCarthy and Aron Wellman, founder and president of Eclipse Thoroughbreds and the managing partner of the ownership group, said that since Journalism will be considered for the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 7 at Saratoga Race Course, he could be shipped to Saratoga or to McCarthy’s Kentucky base at Churchill Downs. McCarthy, whose main stable is at Santa Anita Park in Southern California, said a decision on where to go will be made in a day or two. In his remarks Sunday morning Saratoga sounded like a more likely destination.

“It puts him in a position to run,” McCarthy said. “He could go back to Churchill Downs and hang out for a week or two and then make his way to Saratoga. But it seems a little counterproductive to go 12 hours by van back to Kentucky to head back to New York, whether it be by plane or by van. Aron’s here to talk about it.”

In the Belmont, Journalism could meet Sovereignty, who beat him by 1½ lengths in the Kentucky Derby (G1) on May 3.

“We’ll go through the same analysis as we went through between the Derby and the Preakness,” Wellman said. “That horse in Stall 33 will tell us whether he’s ready to go back in three weeks. It’s something we’d like to do. It’s something that we’re going to prepare for logistically in the event he does give us the green light. But whereas from the Derby to the Preakness, we really had a week to make that decision, we’ll have two-plus weeks to assess him.”

McCarthy examined the horse Saturday night and again Sunday morning and said he had come through a pivotal physical incident at the top of the stretch unscathed. Under jockey Umberto Rispoli, Journalism bulled his way between Goal Oriented and Clever Again to get running room to pursue long shot Gosger, who had a clear lead near the rail. Despite that problem – which prompted a steward’s review – Journalism was able to overtake Gosger approaching the wire and win by a half-length in 1:55.47. Wellman said he was stunned by what he saw in the last quarter of a mile of the 1 3/16-mile Preakness.

“I know I started the race standing up,” he said. “I might have sat down at the eighth pole, sort of head in my lap, you know. I thought he was done. Heartbroken. My daughter (17-year-old Sadie), who’s my sidekick, she gets so emotionally attached in these horses – so invested. She just started hysterically crying when the real physicality ensued, because she was so worried about the horse.

“I was just feeling hopeless and devastated for the horse and everybody. When he got clear and shook free and he started to extend his stride, I just started saying, audibly, ‘Make a miracle happen,’ and he did.”

McCarthy said he thought he was about to watch a repeat of the Derby, where Journalism would turn in an impressive performance and finish second. With one Classic race win on his resume, the prospect of meeting Sovereignty again is tantalizing, but Journalism’s connections said they will be very careful when deciding how to proceed.

“I think I’d like to see what he’s kind of telling us,” McCarthy said. “Now it’s two races in two weeks. Ate up last night. Seems like he’s pleased with himself. We’ll weigh the pros and cons.

“I said to Aron last night as we were walking down the stairs, ‘Part of me, feels like we could have been here two-for-two.’ But winning any of these three races is quite an accomplishment, so just happy to grab one of them. He’s acting like he’s wanting some more here. By going to New York, at least, it puts us in a position.”

The Journalism team said they celebrated until the wee hours of Sunday morning what was an unlikely comeback by their gutty colt, who looked like a sure loser in the stretch.

“It really defied logic,” Wellman said. “I think anybody that’s watched any number of races and has any appreciation for what these magnificent animals can do, what he did there as a matter of guts and courage and bravery to begin with, and then to have the physical ability to accelerate again and mow a good horse down like Gosger, you just don’t see it happen.

“I hate to use the term impossible, but it was impossible what he did. And if you watch it again, Umberto didn’t hit him for the last, I want to say, 75-100 yards. That was strictly willpower on the part of the horse, and then to win by three quarters of a length or whatever the margin of victory, it was an extraordinary performance.”

After watching Sandman finish third in the Preakness Stakes, Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse talked of how proud he was of his colt’s effort.

But there was frustration, too.

“Johnny (Hall of Fame jockey Velazquez who was riding the big gray for the first time) said that at the three-eighths pole, he thought he was going to win,” Casse said. “But then he lost focus.”

The Preakness was the 10th career start for Sandman, owned by D J Stable LLC, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and C J Stables. This year, he has gone to the starting gate five times and has a win, a second and two thirds.

The next time we see Sandman – Casse said it is “not likely” he will run in the Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga June 7 – the colt could have an equipment change.

“I don’t like doing it, but we may put blinkers on,” Casse said. “I have given him plenty of time to grow up. (Velazquez) said all the way down the lane he wasn’t focused.”

Sandman was scheduled to ship to Belmont Park Sunday and, after a week there, will head to Saratoga for the summer. His next start, Casse said, could be in the Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) on July 28 with the Travers Stakes (G1) on Aug. 23 the ultimate destination.

Before the Preakness, Sandman finished a disappointing seventh in the Kentucky Derby following a win in the Arkansas Derby (G1).

“We want to give him a little break,” Casse said.

Goal Oriented, who finished fourth in the Preakness after exchanging bumps with Journalism in the stretch, will head back home to Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert’s Santa Anita base in Southern California. The son of Not This Time, who made his stakes debut in the Preakness in only his third career start, won’t he running in the Belmont Stakes. Baffert will take his time before deciding what’s next for Goal Oriented, who is owned by SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Catherine Donovan.

“I know he is a good horse,” Baffert said. “(Journalism) was the best horse. He showed it. The way he is made, he reminds me of (2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner) California Chrome a little bit. He is nimble, light athletic and he moves that way in the morning when I watch him train. He just finds a way to get there.”

Baffert will point Rodriguez toward the Belmont after missing the first two legs of the Triple Crown with a sensitive foot bruise. The son of Authentic has the same ownership group as Goal Oriented.

Rodriguez won the Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct after finishing third behind Journalism in the San Felipe (G2) at Santa Anita.

BALTIMORE – Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5 LLC, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith’s Journalism, a beaten favorite in the Kentucky Derby (G1) two weeks earlier, came through for his backers Saturday at Pimlico Race Course with a courageous stretch surge to capture the 150th Preakness Stakes (G1).

Saturday’s Preakness was the final running of the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown to be hosted by the current Pimlico facility, affectionately known as ‘Old Hilltop,’ before it is demolished to make way for a modern building that is scheduled for completion in time for the 2027 Preakness. Laurel Park will host next year’s 151st Preakness.

The $2 million Preakness headlined a blockbuster 14-race program featuring 10 stakes, five graded, worth $3.3 million in purses.

Michael McCarthy-trained Journalism, who finished second after being passed in the stretch by Sovereignty in the Derby, appeared to be hard-pressed to overtake longshot Gosger after encountering serious pumping in the stretch run of the historic 1 3/16-mile Classic. Yet, the 3-year-old son of 2007 Preakness winner, two-time Horse of the Year and 2014 Hall of Famer Curlin kicked into high gear under jockey Umberto Rispoli to edge past Gosger, a 15-1 longshot ridden by Luis Saez.

“When I saw that (mid-stretch bumping), I thought it was another solid effort and, unfortunately, he was going to come up just a little bit short. For sure he got the worst of it. Hats off to Umberto and Journalism for persevering,” McCarthy said. “I think today you saw what it takes to be a champion. Today was his day. He had been telling us all along he was sort of ready for an effort like that.”

It was the second Preakness win for McCarthy, former assistant to Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, following Rombauer in 2021. Rispoli, a two-time champion rider in Italy who earlier on the card won the $150,000 Gallorette (G3) aboard Charlene’s Dream, earned his first success in a Triple Crown race.

Journalism’s effort was reminiscent of his victory in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), in which he rallied late after being stopped on the turn into the homestretch. Once again he displayed his resolve to overcome trouble.

Rispoli settled Journalism along the rail to save ground in the early stages as Clever Again darted out to an early lead pressed to his outside by Gosger, the last-out Lexington (G3) winner. They went the opening quarter-mile in 23.19 seconds and were still in front after a half in 46.66, when River Thames worked his way into contention along with Goal Oriented.

As they rounded the far turn Rispoli tipped Journalism off the inside to launch their bid but the opening they sought closed quickly as Goal Oriented ducked in and bumped with Journalism, causing him to bother Clever Again racing inside. As that was going on, Gosger was able to scoot away to a seemingly insurmountable lead.

Journalism budged his way through and regathered his momentum as Rispoli set his sights on the loose leader. Coming with a relentless drive through the stretch, Journalism was able to reel in Gosger and edge clear by a half-length to win in 1:55.47 over a fast main track.

It was 2 ¼ lengths back to third-place finisher Sandman, who was four lengths in front of Goal Oriented in fourth. Completing the order of finish were British import Heart of Honor, River Thames, Pay Billy, American Promise and Clever Again, who was eased across the wire.

Sent off at even-money by an enthusiastic on-track crowd, Journalism returned $4 to win in becoming the 74th favorite to win the Preakness and first since Triple Crown champion Justify in 2018.

Journalism’s victory sets up a possible showdown with Sovereignty in the Belmont Stakes (G1) June 7 at Saratoga. Eighteen horses have completed the Preakness-Belmont double, the most recent being Afleet Alex in 2005.

Michael McCarthy
Robert LaPenta
Umberto Rispoli
Aron Wellman

Media Conference

THE MODERATOR: We’ll get started. I feel like Michael really wants to talk first. He’s smiling. Michael McCarthy, congratulations! I don’t know if you know, Michael McCarthy is a perfect two for two now. I would love your overall thoughts right now.

MICHAEL McCARTHY: I got a little bit anxious there obviously in the post parade. He was on his toes a little bit. Something had got him a little bit irritated. We were having a hard time getting the halter off him. I’m glad he was amenable to getting away from the crowd and getting over to the back side and being able to warm up a little bit.

First time by the stands he flopped over in his left lead, was in a little bit tight up the backside. I thought he was traveling okay coming to the half-mile pole. It didn’t seem to me like he was traveling when he was traveling in the Kentucky Derby.

Umberto, all credit to him, he chose to save ground. That’s what it takes to win these races like this. Found himself in a little bit of a conundrum there for six or eight jumps. Thankful he and the horses came out of it unscathed. That’s the important thing, win, lose, or draw.

Wonderful effort by a wonderful group of people. As I said before, my guys that helped me do this, my assistants, my grooms, my riders, my hot walkers, I couldn’t do this without them. Aron and Stella are floating around here somewhere. I’m sure you saw. I can’t do it without them either once I drive out the stable gate. And this ownership group and everybody here today, appreciate their patience and their support. Big deal for me. (Applause).

THE MODERATOR: I think stall 40 gets to be the Journalism stall now. It’s not the Derby stall, it’s the Journalism stall. Anybody who watched the Alibi Breakfast knows that.

Q. Michael, what does it mean winning the last Preakness at Old Hilltop?

MICHAEL McCARTHY: It’s a little bit strange. I actually won the last El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields. Not sure if there’s a pattern there or not. (Laughter).

A lot of history here. Of all the good horses who have run through the lane here, I think one of the things that really got it started for me was Sunday Silence and Easy Goer. I remember where I was watching that race that day.

Things kind of come full circle. Will be sad to see this place go, but we’ll try to get back here next year, whichever locale it’s at.

Q. For Umberto, could you take us through the stretch run, how you saw it?

UMBERTO RISPOLI: Well, going on the backside, passing — he wasn’t traveling like he did travel in the Derby, and at that point you think two things: You have no horse or just too relaxed. I think the second was the option, because as soon as I gave a smack on the shoulder he said, okay, I know what I got to do.

At that point, I was trying to go outside and follow River Thames but I had been suggested from some top world class riders, some Hall of Fame riders United States, you win this race saving ground, and I would say thank you to Jerry Bailey for the big tips (Laughter).

Going to the turn, I believe Clever Again would go at least at the eight pole. At the quarter pole he gets stopped and obviously Gosger was the first one have the jump on him. We didn’t went that fast. The pace was just slow and Flavien had some trouble to come out of there having American Promise outside of him. He couldn’t get rid of him soon.

Look, going the elbow, a little gap was opened and I say, it’s now or never. So it’s horse racing. It’s a nice battle for the sport. Everbody come out safe. I’m sorry about Jose, and I had to give a shout to Flavien right away.

From that standpoint from where I was when I looked up, Luis opened up four lanes ahead of me, and the first time I use the crop on him, he switch his lead and, boom, he took off.

So more it was going close to the wire, more I was looking. I said at the 16th pole, I said, okay, I’m going to be lead but probably be on time. So I have to give credit to the horse, because I didn’t see many horses, probably was Afleet Alex that he did that, but he almost — Jeremy Rose almost fell off from the horse and that was for me probably the most spectacular Preakness I ever have seen.

Coming back after two weeks from a tough trip in the Derby and running against the track, it was an amazing effort. I wish I would have given him a softer race, but this is a part of horse racing, and we’re here celebrating this. (Applause)

THE MODERATOR: I have a question from upstairs. Michael, this question was for you. Walk us through when you got into trouble and then what you thought.

MICHAEL McCARTHY: It was basically more or less kind of what I thought coming to the 16th pole in the Kentucky Derby when I saw Sovereignty coming to us. I thought it was just another fantastic effort. Couple things didn’t work out well for us Derby Saturday, but this here was a little bit more drastic than just losing some ground at the start and having to deal with an off going on a muddy racetrack. This looked a little bit ugly there for a couple of jumps.

As I said, I’m just glad that horses and humans are okay. But my initial thought was proud of the horse. Great effort. Just going to come up a little bit short.

THE MODERATOR: I have a followup question. Go ahead. What’s it say about Journalism, the fact that he can do what he just did with a two-week turnaround?

MICHAEL McCARTHY: I think it says a lot about him. I think it’s basically he has validated what we have thought about him all along. This summer he was getting ready a little bit faster than your average two-year-old. We had to stop on him for some little aches and pains. When things got rolling, he was able to go ahead, annex three races in seven weeks, culminating with the Los Alamitos Future. I started thinking something like this. You certainly need the vehicle and we had it with him.

THE MODERATOR: Umberto, you’re the first rider from Italy to have won a Triple Crown race. What does that mean? (Cheers and applause).

UMBERTO RISPOLI: Actually, it was something I didn’t even thought. Having Frankie as my idol, you always thought you couldn’t do anything Frankie ever done. Zio, if you ever listen to me I think you have to ride a couple more years to get one of the Triple Crown to equal me.

No, I mean, it’s a privilege. When I cross the wire, it looks like a flash of 20 years of my career went to my head, and it’s even difficult to describe the feeling when you cross the wire on those races.

You just dream about that and my wife knows how painful I am when I’m losing a race, so she definitely wouldn’t sleep… I would have to sleep somewhere else if I lost this race tonight, so.

But listen, I’m proud of this and for my country, races don’t go very well, but I’m glad I keep my flags up and I wish everybody over there is proud of me. Thank you. (Applause).

THE MODERATOR: Having beaten the favorite — (inaudible). Wouldn’t be brave enough to come back to the Preakness. What went into that decision?

ARON WELLMAN: Yeah, look, it always starts with the horse first. I just think that this victory symbolizes so much about life. It took guts for Michael McCarthy to make this call to come here. It took guts for Umberto Rispoli to get sideswiped and threading the needle and power on through and it took guts from an incredible horse to somehow will his way to victory.

There are so many people to thank. It starts with Don, John Isaacs, Malone who have put so much into this game to deserve another classic win. Bob LaPenta. You see a guy… just how much it means, you know.

Robert LaPenta: You know, this was a tough couple of weeks. We thought we had the best horse in the Derby and we did. A number of people text me and the consensus, remaining nameless was, hey, you guys took almost two weeks to decide you wanted to run this horse, so obviously there was a lot of concern.

Number two, do you know how many horses came in the second in the last eight or nine years won the Preakness? One. They said, so what are you guys thinking about? And I said look, Mike McCarthy is an incredible trainer. My team, my partners, we’re not going to enter to this horse unless we think he can win.

And Umberto, I’m going to drink a couple of bottles of wine tonight. (Cheers and applause) We upset all the apple carts. They said he doesn’t deserve to be 6 of 5. A lot of people picked him for third, and I said, thank God.

THE MODERATOR: Anybody else in here have a question?

Q. Congratulations for the team. My question, in my language, in Espanol. (Speaking in Spanish) Umberto speaks Spanish, Italian, Spanish, French, no? I prefer a short response because all the people don’t know Spanish. (Speaking in Spanish)

THE MODERATOR: I think he said he was very happy. Umberto, please.

UMBERTO RISPOLI: Michael and I want to say thank you. (Speaking in Spanish) (Applause)

Q. Michael, I know a lot of trainers talk about the close quarters in the barns. What are you going to miss most about this place?

MICHAEL McCARTHY: I have been here three times; I have won two Classics. The third time I came here, I got my tail whipped. We won’t think about that.

But like I said, my start in racing as a fan, I think back to Sunday Silence, Easy Goer, all the great horses, all the great racers who have come through this place. I think of a lot of people I have come in contact with throughout my professional tenure.

Cot Campbell was fortunate enough to win a Preakness.

Q. And they were second in the Derby and came back and won the Preakness. History repeats itself.

MICHAEL McCARTHY: Exactly. Very proud to be part of this special fraternity. I will miss seeing that weather vain up there for sure. Sad to see it go, but we’ll look forward to next year.

Q. First of all, congratulations to all, Michael, Umberto… (inaudible). My question is this is the next one that is going to ask. Thoughts about the Belmont Stakes… (Laughter).

THE MODERATOR: The question is what are your thoughts about Belmont? Who is going to answer that question?

ARON WELLMAN: Look, he ran a very taxing race in the Kentucky Derby under very difficult circumstances. He came back today and defied logic. Doing what he did it was a very physical effort.

As I said before, and as will always be, the horse will come first. We’ll evaluate him. Michael’s going to stay here for a couple of days, assess his energy level, his appetite.

We would love to go. I think this ownership group, Eclipse on down has made it very clear we take this very seriously and we want to be good ambassadors for the industry and the sport at large.

If this horse is in good shape, we’ll certainly keep it under consideration but we have two-plus weeks to determine that and we’ll take all the time we need. We feel very fortunate to be in the position we’re in and if Michael gives him the green light, we’ll be there. If not, we’ve got a hell of a second half of the season to look forward to, so super proud of this horse. He proved that he’s a true classic competitor today.

THE MODERATOR: Anything else from upstairs? Anything else from the room?

Q. Aron, you talked about (inaudible)…

MICHAEL McCARTHY: I thought in the Santa Anita Derby, albeit in a five-horse field I thought he overcame a lot, down and tight, down on the fence…

Look, What happened today is almost surreal. You don’t see that happen. I don’t know. It’s hard to explain. That’s a —

Robert LaPenta: He’s a warrior.

MICHAEL McCARTHY: Yeah, I think he showed today he’s a gift from above.

THE MODERATOR: Michael, a lot of horses show immaturity and you say I can see a lot of room for growth he’s just such a professional, how do you still know that there’s growth in there when he acts like such a pro all the time?

MICHAEL McCARTHY: I think there’s so many things that go into this, but him as an individual, you see what he’s like. He’s big without being too big. He’s a wonderfully made horse. His mind is probably his best asset. He’s bred top and bottom to run all day long. He has the physical likeness to Curlin, he has the athleticism of Uncle Mo, Mopotism, his dam, obviously very effective at two turns mile and beyond, so I could go on and on here about this horse and how it’s blue skies ahead for him.

THE MODERATOR: Anybody else in the room? No? Congratulations, guys.

MICHAEL McCARTHY: Thank you.

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports

BALTIMORE – Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5 LLC, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith’s Journalism, a beaten favorite in the Kentucky Derby (G1) two weeks earlier, came through for his backers Saturday at Pimlico Race Course with a late stretch surge to capture the 150th Preakness Stakes (G1).

Saturday’s Preakness was the final running of the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown to be hosted by the current Pimlico facility, affectionately known as ‘Old Hilltop,’ before it is demolished to make way for a modern building that is scheduled for completion in time for the 2027 Preakness. Laurel Park will host next year’s 151st Preakness.

The $2 million Preakness headlined a blockbuster 14-race program featuring 10 stakes, five graded, worth $3.3 million in purses.

Michael McCarthy-trained Journalism, who finished second after being passed in the stretch by Sovereignty in the Derby, appeared to be hard-pressed to overtake longshot Gosger with only a sixteenth of a mile to go in the historic 1 3/16-mile Classic. Yet, the 3-year-old son of 2007 Preakness winner, two-time Horse of the Year and 2014 Hall of Famer Curlin kicked into high gear under jockey Umberto Rispoli to edge past Gosger, a 15-1 longshot ridden by Luis Saez.

It was the second Preakness win for McCarthy, former assistant to Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, following Rombauer in 2021. Rispoli, a two-time champion rider in Italy who earlier on the card won the $150,000 Gallorette (G3) aboard Charlene’s Dream, earned his first success in a Triple Crown race.

Journalism’s effort was reminiscent of his victory in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), in which he rallied late after being stopped on the turn into the homestretch. Once again he displayed his resolve to overcome trouble.

Rispoli settled Journalism along the rail to save ground in the early stages as Clever Again darted out to an early lead pressed to his outside by Gosger, the last-out Lexington (G3) winner. They went the opening quarter-mile in 23.19 seconds and were still in front after a half in 46.66, when River Thames worked his way into contention along with Goal Oriented.

As they rounded the far turn Rispoli tipped Journalism off the inside to launch their bid but the opening they sought closed quickly as Goal Oriented ducked in and bumped with Journalism, causing him to bother Clever Again racing inside. As that was going on, Gosger was able to scoot away to a seemingly insurmountable lead.

Journalism budged his way through and regathered his momentum as Rispoli set his sights on the loose leader. Coming with a relentless drive through the stretch, Journalism was able to reel in Gosger and edge clear by a half-length to win in 1:55.47 over a fast main track.

It was 2 ¼ lengths back to third-place finisher Sandman, who was four lengths in front of Goal Oriented in fourth. Completing the order of finish were British import Heart of Honor, River Thames, Pay Billy, American Promise and Clever Again, who was eased across the wire.

Sent off at even-money by an enthusiastic on-track crowd, Journalism returned $4 to win in becoming the 74th favorite to win the Preakness and first since Triple Crown champion Justify in 2018.

Journalism’s victory sets up a possible showdown with Sovereignty in the Belmont Stakes (G1) June 7 at Saratoga. Eighteen horses have completed the Preakness-Belmont double, the most recent being Afleet Alex in 2005.