In the annals of horse racing history, the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes will be remembered as a day of drama, excitement, and a triumphant victory. On Saturday, at the historic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, a horse named Journalism emerged from behind to claim the coveted title in a race that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The stage was set for a thrilling showdown as nine thoroughbreds lined up at the starting gate. Among them was Journalism, the favorite at 6-5 odds, ridden by jockey Umberto Rispoli and trained by Michael McCarthy. The Kentucky Derby winner, Sovereignty, was notably absent, having chosen to prepare for the Belmont Stakes on June 7 instead. This decision meant that there were no Triple Crown implications hanging over the race, but the stakes were still incredibly high.

As the race began, the field of horses thundered out of the gate, each jockey vying for position. It was a tight race from the start, with horses jockeying for position as they navigated the first turn. Journalism, however, faced an early setback when it was bumped by Goal Oriented rounding the far turn. This collision caused Journalism to lose some momentum, and for a moment, it seemed as though the favorite might be knocked out of contention.

But Journalism is not a horse to be counted out. As the race progressed, it gradually regained its stride, showing the resilience and determination that have become hallmarks of its career. By the time the horses hit the stretch, Journalism had positioned itself well, but it still faced stiff competition from Gosger, a 15-1 longshot that had put in a strong performance throughout the race.

The final stretch was nothing short of electrifying. As the horses sprinted towards the finish line, it appeared that Journalism would once again finish second, just as it had at the Kentucky Derby on May 3. But in a breathtaking display of speed and determination, Journalism surged ahead in the final moments, edging out Gosger by a half-length to claim the victory. The crowd erupted in cheers as the favorite crossed the finish line first, securing its place in Preakness history.

Umberto Rispoli, the jockey who guided Journalism to victory, reflected on the significance of the win in an interview with NBC. "When I first came to the United States, you can't really realize what the Triple Crown means until you go with a favorite horse to ride at the Kentucky Derby," he said. "I can tell you, I couldn't sleep for four nights after the Kentucky Derby." The win at the Preakness, he added, "takes some of the pain off and I'm glad to have this opportunity. I had to wait 20 years, but it was worth the wait."

Trainer Michael McCarthy was equally elated, having secured his second career Preakness victory. "When I saw that, I kind of resigned myself to the fact that it was another fantastic effort, maybe come up a little short, but it goes to show the testament that this horse has," he said. "I couldn't be prouder of him. In the back of my mind, I thought we'd be two for two here, but you know what, just happy to get one of these. They are very, very difficult races to win."

Sandman finished third, rounding out the top three in a race that will be remembered for its nail-biting finish and the incredible performance of Journalism. The victory was not just a personal triumph for Rispoli and McCarthy but also a testament to the horse's incredible spirit and determination.

The 150th Preakness Stakes was not just a race; it was a celebration of the history and tradition of horse racing. Pimlico Race Course, known affectionately as 'Old Hilltop,' has been a fixture in Baltimore for generations, hosting some of the most memorable races in American thoroughbred history. However, Saturday's race marked the last time the Preakness would be run at this historic venue. Plans are underway to demolish and rebuild the facility, with the race relocating to Laurel Park in Maryland for the 2026 event. The intention is for the Preakness to return to Baltimore in 2027, once the new facility is complete.

As the sun set over Pimlico, the crowd lingered, savoring the excitement of the day. The victory of Journalism was more than just a win; it was a moment of pure joy, a reminder of why horse racing captures the hearts of so many. The journey to the finish line was filled with twists and turns, moments of doubt and moments of triumph, but in the end, it was Journalism that emerged victorious, etching its name into the storied history of the Preakness Stakes.

For the fans, the jockeys, the trainers, and the horses, the 150th Preakness Stakes will always be remembered as a race that showcased the very best of the sport. It was a day when dreams came true, when a favorite horse overcame adversity to claim victory, and when the spirit of competition shone brightly. As the Preakness prepares to enter a new chapter, the legacy of this historic race will live on, inspiring future generations of horse racing enthusiasts.