Rispoli and McCarthy Thrilled After Another Gem from Journalism

The son of Curlin shone once again on the big stage, leaving both his jockey and trainer more than satisfied after a victory full of grit and determination

Journalism (off the pace) dominated near the wire to capture the Haskell Stakes / MONMOUTH PARK

OCEANPORT, New Jersey (Special for Turf Diario).- Once again, Journalism proved he is a true racehorse. If there were any doubts after his commanding win in the Preakness Stakes (G1) and his courageous runner-up finishes in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1), the colt bred by Don Alberto Stable and trained by Michael McCarthy erased them all this Saturday at Monmouth Park, where he took control of the NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes (G1) with an unforgettable rally.

Aboard once more was Umberto Rispoli, who repeated his Pimlico-winning tactics but with an added measure of determination, overcoming some challenges during the race and finding in the son of Curlin the response of a champion. “He’s tactical. You can run him from behind or anywhere, but today was special. Probably even more special than at the Preakness,” said the Italian jockey with a smile that said it all.

The race wasn’t as easy as it looked on paper. Journalism broke just okay, a bit farther back than ideal, and had to cope with an unexpected issue: “Right out of the gate he got bothered by the kickback, something that had never bothered him before. So on the backstretch, I decided to move him closer to Gosger, and I knew the horse would take me wherever I wanted. I tried to keep him focused heading into the turn. Once I whipped him, he responded like a great horse. I got there just in time,” Rispoli explained.

From the sidelines, Michael McCarthy was on edge through the early stages. He knows the quality of his horse but the initial sequence had him worried: “I was a bit concerned. He broke okay, but not perfect again. He ended up a little further back than we would have liked going into the first turn,” admitted the trainer, who is enjoying a dream season with Journalism.

McCarthy added: “Umberto whipped him already on the first turn, poked him along, and got him into gear. On the backstretch, he started passing horses with that long, measured run he’s known for. It was a smooth, steady move with no interruptions. I looked at the finish line, looked at Journalism, looked at the leaders, and honestly... I was glad there was a bit more distance to finish the job.”

The Haskell victory not only added another G1 title to Journalism’s resume but reaffirmed his versatility, consistency, and heart. In a season where three-year-olds have not yet produced an absolute dominator, the chestnut running for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables Five, and Coolmore partners stands tall as one of the best of his generation.

With McCarthy as the quiet architect and Rispoli masterfully interpreting every note, Journalism continues to write brilliant chapters in his career. What’s next? Judging by Saturday’s showing at Monmouth Park, the Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga in late August looks like the must-see destination.

For now, both Rispoli and McCarthy are allowing themselves to savor this new milestone. The jockey, satisfied with guiding the horse with calm precision; the trainer, proud to see his charge improve with every challenge. “We saw something special today,” Rispoli insisted. And no one who witnessed the race could disagree.