Thanks to Netflix documentary Race for the Crown, US racing is enjoying somewhat of a popular renaissance and for those interested in what happened in this year’s $2million Preakness Stakes at Baltimore this weekend, read on.
The second jewel in the US Triple Crown for three year-olds unfolded at Pimlico earlier today and Journalism, the runner-up in the Kentucky Derby to Sovereignty, avenged that defeat with a remarkable victory.
The Michael McCarthy trained colt was favourite in the Derby, but after a troubled run could not hold off Sovereignty and half way up the straight it looked like it was going to be another hard luck story.
The son of Curlin suffered severe interference when trying to angle into clear running, but recovered amazingly well to find the line and win.
He scored by half a length for Umberto Rispoli taking his overall record to five wins and two placings from seven starts with prizemoney topping US$2.8million.
An $825,000 Fasig Tipton August Yearling Sale purchase, Journalism runs for an ownership group that includes Eclipse Thoroughbreds in whose colours he runs along with the Coolmore partners and others.
Michael McCarthy was in awe of his horse and the jockey, with the pair producing an amazing performance under adversity.
“Umberto and Journalism were both champions today, both of them showed what it takes to get the job done,” he said.
A decision on the third leg of the Triple Crown, the Group I Belmont Stakes (1 ½ m) on June 7 is yet to be confirmed and beyond that his stud career in the future will ultimately lead to Coolmore.
Journalism is one of 111 stakes-winners worldwide for Curlin, who also placed in the Kentucky Derby and then won the Preakness.
He is the first winner for Group II winner Mopotism, a daughter of another of the Coolmore sires in Uncle Mo, who shuttled to Australia for four seasons.
