Courage, Heart, and Class: Journalism Prevails in the Haskell Stakes

The son of Curlin fought through a difficult passage to capture his third Grade 1 victory, adding another admirable chapter to a career defined by both brilliance and resilience.

Time to Celebrate as Rispoli Guides Journalism to Victory / TWINSPIRES

By Diego H. Mitagstein

Nothing seems to come easy for Journalism, one of America’s standout 3-year-olds, who once again set the racing world abuzz on Saturday.

When he took the Santa Anita Derby (G1), he overcame bumps and trouble throughout. His unforgettable victory in the Preakness Stakes (G1) was earned by sheer force, bulling his way between rivals for a dramatic score. And, true to form, he needed every ounce of his class to lift the trophy in Saturday’s Haskell Stakes (G1, 1800m, dirt, $1,000,000) at Monmouth Park, one of the summer’s marquee sophomore contests.

Nervous in the gate, bothered by kickback, and lacking any real rhythm for most of the trip, the son of Curlin unleashed pure quality in the lane, rallying wide to deny Gosger (Nyquist) by half a length, with Goal Oriented (Not This Time) another head back in third.

One thing is clear: an ordinary horse would never have overcome the many negatives the heavy favorite faced in transit—not this time due to interference, but rather his own discomforts and quirks.

Out of the recently deceased Mopotism (Uncle Mo), Journalism left as many questions as he earned plaudits with this gutsy effort. No one doubts his talent, but the question is whether his demanding campaign is beginning to take a toll; whether the signs shown at Oceanport were those of a horse nearing his limits.

With his victory in the Haskell Stakes (G1), Journalism earned an automatic berth into the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1)through the Challenge Series: Win and You’re In program

To recap: in March he won the San Felipe Stakes (G2); in April he captured the Santa Anita Derby; in May he was second to Sovereignty (Into Mischief) in the Kentucky Derby (G1); two weeks later he produced a miraculous victory in the Preakness, only to be beaten again by Sovereignty in the Belmont Stakes (G1). Now came the Haskell—and all that it entailed.

Some races cost horses their future, whether they are champions or mere mortals. They give everything, and there is simply no coming back.

Perhaps the most striking example is Arrogate (Unbridled’s Song), whose jaw-dropping last-to-first Dubai World Cup victory in 2017 proved to be his final hurrah. After pouring out every ounce of his reserves, he was never the same again.

Looking ahead, the Travers Stakes (G1) looms, with another potential showdown against Sovereignty. But after what we saw on Saturday—despite the win—one has to wonder whether pushing on to Saratoga is wise, especially if the goal is to arrive at the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar in peak condition.

It was impossible not to be awed by Journalism’s courage in the Haskell, impossible not to applaud this colt who left his heart on the track to prove he was better than his rivals, and impossible not to be dazzled by his powerful, giant strides in the stretch.

But reality intrudes, raising concerns. After the hugs, the sighs of relief, and the celebration, trainer Michael McCarthy and jockey Umberto Rispoli, those who know him best, must decide Journalism’s next steps based on what he tells them in the coming weeks.

In the Haskell, Journalism lifted the trophy, showcased his brilliance and courage, and confirmed his place among the very best. But he also sent a message—one that connections would be wise to heed.