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.

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. 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.”

Belmont? “We’re going to go ahead and figure that out.”

Winning Jockey Umberto Rispoli (Journalism) – (NBC Broadcast) “I still can’t realize what this horse did today. I got in trouble at the quarter pole and, look, he make himself keep going. It’s all about him. It’s a privilege to ride a horse like him.”

“It’s just unbelievable. I won one of the legs of the Triple Crown and I’m crying like a kid.”

“When I cross the line, it’s all 20 years of my career that pass I front of me. I had to wait so long to ride a champion like that.”

Trainer Brendan Walsh (Gosger, 2nd) – “I’m disappointed not to win it, but I’m not disappointed in the horse. He ran a great race. He is an improving horse and he will improve off this today. Luis (Saez) got off him and said, ‘this is a helluva horse’. Maybe we will get our turn the next time. I thought we were home when he opened up. Luis said at the end, he just got a little bit lackadaisical, and he was out on his own maybe a little too long and the other horse came by and flew by him. Here is a horse to look forward too, absolutely.”

Jockey Luis Saez (Gosger, 2nd) – “Overall it was a good trip. We had no excuses. Hopefully, he will learn from this and the next race he will be even better.”

Trainer Mark Casse (Sandman, 3rd) – “I was upset the first quarter because they were walking, but they picked it up. I have to watch the replay, but he ran good. He made amends for the Derby, but a good horse won.”

Jockey John Velazquez (Sandman, 3rd) – “We got a good trip, you know, Tried to stay out of trouble as much as I could and then when we got to the quarter pole I thought I was home free but he got to looking around and stopped concentrating. When he was following the horses he was really good, but when I pulled him out to go around and he felt like he was by himself and he didn’t even care, but when a horse moved to the inside of us. He engaged a little bit again to the end.

Trainer Bob Baffert (Goal Oriented, 4th) – “He didn’t get to run his race. I wanted to see him on the lead, Maybe he would have stopped, I don’t know. He is lightly raced. He ran well, but he is still green. He was not used to being behind horses and he got intimidated. The best horse won. I have seen that horse do it all winter long and he is a remarkable horse. I saw him at Santa Anita and get in trouble and then come running. That is a really good horse.”

Jockey Flavien Prat (Goal Oriented, 4th) – “Very disappointing result. Expected a big effort today.”

Trainer Jamie Osborne (Heart of Honor, 5th) – “It wasn’t looking great half-way. He was sluggish out of the gate again. Got a fair amount of sand in his face, looked like it could have been a disaster halfway down the back. But God, he’s tough. He’s resolute. He stayed on great to the line, he passed all but four. Shame the Belmont is not a mile-and-a-half.” (The Belmont Stakes this year at Saratoga is 1 1/4 miles)

Jockey Saffie Osborne (Heart of Honor, 5th) – “He misbehaved very badly in the stalls, and as a result he jumped slow. You obviously can’t afford to be giving any distance out of the gates in these kinds of races. I was always trying to play catch-up. It was the difference between being able to get a nice position and not being able to. To be honest, I probably would have taken fifth going into the last bend. He was getting a lot of kickback in his face. Once I switched him into daylight, he started running really good up the straight. I think if we could iron out his issues in the gate, we’ve still got a very smart horse on our hands, and he showed that with the work he did later.”

Trainer Todd Pletcher (River Thames, 6th) – “Stumbled a little bit leaving there. Kind of got stuck a little bit wide on both turns. Seemed like he had a clear route, other than that, and just couldn’t quite finish the way we needed him to.”

Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. (River Thames, 6th) – “My trip was good. On the backside and when we were leaving the backside he turned sideways a bit and from there I straightened him out and after that he was trying until the end.”

Trainer Michael Gorham (Pay Billy, 7th) – “I think he had an OK trip. He kind of got outrun going into the first turn. I think he just got outrun. Maybe we need to step back and run in a little easier company.

Jockey Raul Mena (Pay Billy, 7th) – “He tried hard and never gave up. He just came up a little flat at the end.”

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas (American Promise, 8th) – “When he got bumped and roughed up a little bit, he kind of threw his head and quit on us. I didn’t like the way he responded. And Nik (Juarez) didn’t ride him hard the last eighth of a mile. He’s been getting into those squeezes like that, and again today. And when he did, he just chucked it. I just think that attitude-wise, we’ve got to change it a little bit.”

Jockey Nik Juarez (American Promise, 8th) – “He broke really well and (was) in a good position throughout the race. Into the second turn, he just didn’t have it today to continue on. He is a son of Justify and a very talented horse. I am excited to see how he matures.”

Trainer Steve Asmussen (Clever Again, 9th) – “It was rough on him.”

Jockey Jose Ortiz (Clever Again, 9th) – “I can’t complain. I had a pretty good trip. We had it – he was running a clean race. He was on top the first part of it. After that, he lost ground.”

BALTIMORE – West Point Thoroughbreds, David Ingordo and CJ Stables’ Reagan’s Wit, supplemented into the race off his graded-stakes debut, proved too much for the competition with an eye-catching 3 ¼-length score in Saturday’s $100,000 James W. Murphy at Pimlico Race Course.

The 60th running of the one-mile Murphy for 3-year-olds and up on the grass was the seventh of 10 stakes, five graded, worth $3.3 million in purses on a blockbuster 14-race program, headlined by the historic 150th Preakness Stakes (G1), Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown.

Reagan’s Wit ($3), beaten by a neck in his last try at one mile, finished up in 1:40.25 over a turf course rated good. It was the second stakes win of the day for both jockey Jose Ortiz and trainer Cherie DeVaux; Ortiz took the $125,000 Skipat on Zeitlos, while DeVaux won the $150,000 Chick Lang with Retribution, ridden by Ortiz’s brother, Irad Ortiz Jr.

Ortiz previously won the James Murphy with Graham Motion-trained English Bee in 2019.

Reagan’s Wit settled in fifth under Ortiz, tracking Soleil Volant and 13-1 longshot Twain as Curahee took the early initiative on an uncontested lead, going a quarter-mile in 24.07 seconds as Stormy Flight gave chase. Ortiz stayed patient as the top group went changed through a half in 48.69 before moving up between horses at the top of the lane.

Ortiz and Reagan’s Wit, favored at 1-2, surged past Twain and Stormy Flight to take the lead and rolled home to his second win from five starts and first in a stakes. The chestnut son of Authentic was second by a neck to next-out American Turf (G1) winner Zulu Kingdom in the March 8 Columbia at Tampa Bay Downs and fourth as the favorite in the 1 1/16-mile Transylvania (G3) April 7 at Keeneland.

Soleil Volant wore down a stubborn Twain to get second by a half-length. It was another two lengths to Barbadian Runner in fourth followed by Curahee, Stormy Flight and Studlydoright. Mission Artemis, Clock Tower and End of Romance were scratched.

DeVaux won three stakes on Black-Eyed Susan Day to earn last year’s top prize in the annual Preakness weekend trainer bonus. Ortiz will ride Clever Again for Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen in the Preakness.

The James W. Murphy pays homage to the late trainer that won nearly 1,400 races and more than 50 stakes and $24 million in purses starting in 1965. He was named the MTHA’s Trainer of the Year in 2006, three years before he died at age 82.

$100,000 James W. Murphy Quotes

Winning Trainer Cherie DeVaux (Reagan’s Wit) – (by phone): “Really pleased with him. He’s kind of a goofy horse. He showed that in the stretch. Jose did a really good job keeping him to task and staying on the horse, most importantly. We were a bit disappointed in his last race at Keeneland (fourth in the G3 Transylvania). He was quite sullen in the paddock prior to the race. He ran fine but we were expecting a bit more from him. We tried some blinkers on him after that, but he had really terrible breezes with them on, so we regrouped.

“He is a sentimental horse more than anything. He is a half-brother to (graded stakes-placed) Reagan’s Edge, who was the first one we named after David’s (husband David Ingordo) daughter to try to get her interested in all of this. But he has always shown a lot of ability. He’s taken some time. He ran a race at Ellis, then he injured himself in the trailer when he was supposed to run at Indiana, gave himself a pretty nasty wound behind. It just took him some time to get to the races, but now that he’s back, he’s slowly putting it together. I was watching him in the paddock, because he will let loose, and he was doing that. It’s kicking and bucking, but that’s him. So I was happy to see he was back to his old ways.”

Terry Finley, President of Winning Owner West Point Thoroughbreds (Reagan’s Wit) – “He came through that hole and then he started fooling around. But, as the jock (Jose Ortiz) said, it’s a lot better to have that happen and have him swerve like that as opposed to getting to the lead and stopping and then a horse comes from the back of the pack.”

Winning Jockey Jose Ortiz (Reagan’s Wit) — “He does that when he makes the lead. He doesn’t slow down and he didn’t brush the rail. He’s pretty green. I was ready for it. I knew it was coming. He switched leads on point. He did everything like a pro and opened up. I’m very excited about the way he ran today. Hopefully he matures a little after this

BALTIMORE – Bobby Flay Thoroughbreds and James Ventura’s Triple Crown-nominated Crudo put on a command performance in just his third career start to romp by 7 ½ lengths at Pimlico Race Course in Saturday’s $100,000 Sir Barton, sponsored by Spendthrift Farm to Benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.

The 27th running of the 1 1/16-mile Sir Barton for 3-year-old non-winners of an open sweepstakes was the sixth of 10 stakes, five graded, worth $3.3 million in purses on a spectacular 14-race program headlined by the historic 150th Preakness Stakes (G1), Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown.

With John Velazquez riding for trainer Todd Pletcher, both Hall of Famers, Crudo ($9.40) completed the distance over a fast main track in 1:44 to register his second straight win, each in front-running fashion. Pletcher and Velazquez also teamed up to win the 2019 Sir Barton with King for a Day.

Velazquez previously won the Sir Barton in 2023 with Arabian Lion for trainer Bob Baffert while Pletcher took the 2006 edition with High Cotton, ridden by late jockey Garrett Gomez. Baffert and Gomez are also enshrined in the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame.

Crudo was away alertly from his rail position and settled on the lead racing in the two path with 1-2 favorite Invictus further out in second and Bestfriend Rocket saving ground on the rail in third. The first quarter-mile went in 23.32 and a half followed in 46.86, when Velazquez set Crudo down for a drive straightening for home and he responded by opening up daylight on his rivals.

Just a Fair Shake made a run on the far outside to be second, 3 ½ lengths in front of Invictus, followed by Bear Claw Necklace, Authentic Gallop, Bestfriend Rocket and Bold Diversion. Mr. Bogan and Hymn were scratched.

Crudo, a $350,000 yearling by 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify, went unraced at 2 and was a troubled fourth as the favorite in his Feb. 8 unveiling at Gulfstream Park. He had a clean trip when stretched out to seven furlongs in an April 19 maiden special weight at Keeneland and won by 7 ¼ lengths.

Sir Barton won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont in 1919, becoming the first horse to sweep what wouldn’t become known as the Triple Crown until Gallant Fox matched the feat in 1930. He won or placed in all 13 of his starts as a 3-year-old and retired in 1920 with 13 wins from 31 races. Based in Maryland with Hall of Fame trainer H. Guy Bedwell, Sir Barton was inducted into racing’s Hall of Fame in 1957.

$100,000 Sir Barton Quotes

Winning Trainer Todd Pletcher (Crudo) — “We’ve been looking forward to getting him stretched out around two turns and he handled that really well. He got a good trip, got to the first turn in good position and got into a good rhythm. That is what he has been showing us in the morning. A talented colt. We were a little disappointed in his debut (4th at Gulfstream as the 4-5 favorite) because he had trained lights out. He came out of that race with some minor issues that we had to address and once he has come back, he has trained dynamite. His race at Keeneland was pretty easy and today was very impressive as well. [Invictus] was the big favorite and we just wanted to get to the first turn in good position and we figured he would be stalking us, which he was. It looked like they both got into a good rhythm and fortunately our colt kept going.”

(Could he show up in the Belmont Stakes (G1) in June?): “You know what? We just approached today like kind of seeing where we are and we’ll see how he bounces out of it. There are a lot of big races all summer. We’ve got options with a colt that has shown some promise.”

Winning Jockey John Velazquez (Crudo) — “The horse is very green. Galloping, he ducked from every bush, everything that the infield had, and I’m worried. I’ve got post position one. I’m jogging back and forth on the rail so he could see it. Back and forth. Back and forth.

“He broke well enough and let me get off the rail and keep everybody out there and it worked out for us. Good thing that he broke good enough to do that. He allowed me to do that and get off the rail so he could see everything, every spot with the bushes. I don’t know why he was ducking away, but he almost [unseated] me on the warmup.”