Journalism, a Champion Who Retired Just as He Raced His Whole Life: Leaving His Soul on the Track

The multiple G1 winner was injured in the starting gate prior to his heroic victory in the San Diego Handicap (G2); the son of Curlin will now begin his stallion career at Ashford Stud

DEL MAR, California (Special for Turf Diario).- The extraordinary effort that Journalism put forth just a week ago in the San Diego Handicap (G2) turned out to be, though no one knew it at the time, the final display of a brilliant racing career. Coolmore America and the ownership group of the son of Curlin announced this Friday his retirement from the track after confirming the injury he sustained in the starting gate prior to his heroic victory at Del Mar.

The decision brings down the curtain on the career of one of the finest American horses of his generation and opens a new chapter, as the bay colt will begin his stud duties at Ashford Stud starting in 2027, with his stud fee to be announced at a later date.

The injury occurred before the race even officially began. Journalism anticipated the break and was caught in a precarious position when the doors opened, losing between five and six lengths to the rest of the field while sustaining an injury during the incident.

Far from giving up, he once again showcased the immense heart that defined his entire campaign. Covering ground wide throughout the trip, he launched a powerful stretch run and ultimately won with authority, in a performance quickly hailed as one of the most memorable of the year.

However, subsequent veterinary examinations confirmed an injury whose recovery carried unnecessary risks for a horse destined to become a stallion.

"What he did at Del Mar was the mark of a true champion," expressed his trainer, Michael McCarthy. "He suffered an injury in the gate, gave away a huge amount of ground, and still won through pure heart and class. That sums up perfectly who Journalism was. He doesn't owe us a single thing. It is heartbreaking that his racing career ends this way, but protecting his future was our top priority."

Bred by Don Alberto Corp., Journalism lived up to the high expectations set by his pedigree from day one. By Curlin out of the G2 winner Mopotism—a daughter of Uncle Mo—he capped his 2-year-old campaign by capturing the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) before evolving into one of the premier stakes figures of his generation.

During his 3-year-old season, he posted ringing victories in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), the Preakness Stakes (G1), and the Haskell Stakes (G1), alongside a remarkable Triple Crown campaign featuring runner-up finishes in both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and the Belmont Stakes (G1).

Consistency was another of his hallmark traits. In 14 career starts, he finished out of the trifecta only once, when placing fourth in last year's Breeders' Cup Classic (G1). He retires with earnings of $4,770,755, cementing his status as one of the standout modern representatives of the Curlin sire line.

Coolmore officials also emphasized the colt's racing merits: "Journalism possessed every quality you could ever dream of in a racehorse: exceptional talent, remarkable consistency, and a desire that set him apart from the rest," noted Charlie O'Connor of Ashford Stud.

"What he accomplished at Del Mar, overcoming an injury to come out victorious, proved once again that he was a absolute warrior. He boasts an outstanding physical build and a world-class pedigree. We are convinced he has everything it takes to become a stallion of the highest caliber."

Aron Wellman of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners likewise recalled the impression the horse made from his earliest days of training: "From the moment he began his early training, it was clear he breathed different air. He had absolutely everything you look for in a great horse: pedigree, physical presence, mechanics, speed, stamina, soundness, intelligence, class, and courage. While he gave us so many unforgettable performances, none captured all those virtues better than his Preakness victory. He was precisely the kind of horse you picture when you think of a classic American champion."

Now Journalism embarks on a new chapter in the breeding shed, with the expectation of passing on to future generations the very qualities that made him one of the most admired horses in American racing.

His farewell, fittingly, stood as the ultimate reflection of his entire career: injured before the start, forced to overcome a massive disadvantage, and still capable of winning through extraordinary talent and courage. Few champions have taken their final bow leaving behind such a true testament to who they were on the track.