Journalism takes Haskell with furious late run
In what appeared to be a little Preakness déjà vu, perhaps without the bumping, Journalism ran down Gosger to win Saturday’s Grade 1 Haskell at Monmouth Park. It was the third Grade 1 victory for the Michael McCarthy-trained 3-year-old, who once again showed his courage after a somewhat slow break.
Jockey Umberto Rispoli had to urge Journalism just after the first turn, leaving some doubt in the mind of his backers as the 2-5 favorite. Along the backstretch, Journalism, who sat well off the pace but in front of trailer Burnham Square, began gaining on his opponents, as Kentucky Outlaw and Bracket Buster dueled early through an opening quarter in 23.33 seconds.
Gosger and Goal Oriented were well positioned just behind the speed. Turning for home, Gosger and Goal Oriented overtook the leaders and looked set up for a stretch battle. Gosger poked a nose in front but Goal Oriented fought on. With those two fighting, Journalism revved up down the center of the track and caught them at the wire for a half-length win. Gosger held a head over Goal Oriented in third.
Rispoli thought there was something off with Journalism after the slow start, stating that “something was bothering him. He’d never been worried about the kickback before. So on the backside I decided to take him closer to Gosger, and I know the horse was going to take me wherever I want.”
“He bounced out of the gate and broke just okay again,” McCarthy said. “He was a little bit farther back than we would have liked going into the first turn. Umberto pulled his stick going through the first turn and kind of gave him a slap and got him up in there.”
Journalism dodged Sovereignty in the Haskell, as the Kentucky Derby and Belmont winner will run in next weekend’s Jim Dandy at Saratoga. Journalism sandwiched second-place finishes in the Derby and Belmont with a victory in the Preakness. Journalism was also the only horse to run in all three legs of this year’s Triple Crown.
Journalism ran the 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.15 and returned $2.80 for the win. Journalism’s final time was 1.14 seconds faster than the Grade 3 Monmouth Cup earlier on the card, which was won by upsetter Surface to Air.
JOURNALISM secures his spot in the @Longines #BreedersCup Classic with victory in the #WinAndYoureIn Haskell Stakes!
— Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) July 19, 2025
Cheers to the connections! 🙌
pic.twitter.com/lzCEwZNaTF
With the victory, Journalism earned a fees-paid berth into the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 1 at Del Mar, byway of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series. The Haskell is the only “Win and You’re In Race” for the BC Classic that’s restricted to just 3-year-olds.
Gosger won the Grade 3 Lexington but didn’t earn enough points for the Derby. He then finished second in the Preakness, where Goal Oriented was fourth. Gosger was sent off at 6-1 with Luis Saez aboard, while Goal Oriented was the 7-2 second choice with Flavien Prat aboard.
“Luis gave him the perfect ride,” said Gosger’s trainer, Brendan Walsh. “Luis rode a fantastic race. My horse ran a great race. “We got nailed again by a really good horse. I’m disappointed, but I’m not disappointed in the horse. He ran great. He’s been unlucky.
The remaining order of finish was Bracket Buster, Burnham Square, National Law, Kentucky Outlaw, and Wildncrazynight.
Cheers to connections of one special horse!
— Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) July 19, 2025
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Trainer: Michael W. McCarthy
Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, LaPenta, Robert V., Elayne Stables Five, Magnier, Mrs. John, Tabor, Michael B. and Smith, Derrick
Breeder:… pic.twitter.com/YDFgkg6ce5
Saturday’s attendance was 41,876, the largest since 2015.
The victory was the first Haskell win for McCarthy, and just his second win at Monmouth. Following the victory, McCarthy didn’t commit to a next race. If Journalism were to run before the BC Classic, his options are limited in California. The Grade 1 Pacific Classic at Del Mar would be a logical option but Journalism would have to face older horses. If he remains on the East Coast, he’d likely have to face Sovereignty again in the Grade 1 Travers at Saratoga.
With another Grade 1 victory, and another winner’s share of a rich purse, in hand, Journalism will head back to California with his next-race plans to be determined. While he may have fallen short to Sovereignty twice, it’s clear that McCarthy, and an ownership group that include Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, have done a phenomenal job with their 3-year-old colt.
The Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In is an international series of 93 stakes races in15 countries whose winners receive automatic starting positions and fees paid into a corresponding race at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, held this year at Del Mar on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.
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An avid horse racing fan and bettor, Michael Smith has developed a career in horse racing media as an editor and writer. A regular at Saratoga Race Course, Michael mainly covers New York racing but follows various other racing across the country and world.