Baltimore, Maryland — A thrilling showdown unfolded at the 2025 Preakness Stakes on Saturday, where the race favorite, Journalism, seized victory in dramatic fashion. The horse, which started at even odds, made a bold charge in the final stretch, overtaking competitors to secure a narrow win by a nose.

Journalism’s comeback was unexpected, as the horse had faced setbacks earlier in the racing season. Its journey began at the Kentucky Derby, where, despite high expectations, it fell short of securing a victory when it finished behind co-favorite Sovereignty, who claimed the win in challenging conditions. The defeat in Louisville would not deter Journalism’s team, which opted for a different approach during the Preakness.

Trainer Michael McCarthy and jockey Umberto Rispoli devised a new strategy for the Preakness. Unlike their previous attempt at the Derby, where they tried to rally on the outside, the duo took a more conservative route this time. Rispoli maneuvered through a congested field, navigating tricky placements and ultimately finding a gap to make a decisive move against longshot contender Gosger.

As the race unfolded, it became clear that the competition would be fierce. Journalism faced a challenging journey within the pack, but its determination paid off as it surged ahead in the waning moments, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats. The race concluded with Journalism edging out Gosger, with Sandman coming in third.

Betting enthusiasts celebrated the outcome, as a winning $2 wager on Journalism returned $4.00. For those placing exacta or trifecta bets, the payouts reached $33.80 and $73.50, respectively, while the superfecta rewarded lucky bettors with $303.40 for a $2 ticket.

The Preakness Stakes was notably affected by the absence of Sovereignty, who was ruled out shortly after winning the Derby, which dashed hopes of a potential Triple Crown. The last horse to claim this prestigious honor was Justify in 2018, and since then, no horse has managed to win even two of the three races in a single season.

This withdrawal marked the second time in four years that a Derby winner opted to skip the Preakness, following a similar decision made by Rich Strike in 2022. The trend raises questions about the implications of the tight schedule between these major races.

As the dust settles from the 2025 Preakness, Journalism stands tall, with fans eager to see what the future holds for this determined competitor. The thrilling finish not only showcases the excitement of thoroughbred racing but also prepares the stage for a riveting season to come.