Preakness

When the Maryland Million program, the brainchild of famed sportscaster Jim McKay, was launched in 1986, it was hailed as one of the most innovative and successful programs of its kind. It has been something that has been copied in racing states across the country. But when TK Kuegler took over as the president of the Maryland Million, he decided it was time to move the event forward, and make it bigger, better, and more lucrative. "It's been kind of sleepy for 40 years," Kuegler said. "Jim McKay launched it...

Last year's GI Preakness S., GI Santa Anita Derby and GI NYRA Bets Haskell S. winner Journalism (Curlin), back in training with Michael McCarthy at Santa Anita since mid-January, is nearing a return to the worktab. Campaigned in partnership by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, breeder Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables Five, and the Coolmore partners, the $825,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling concluded his brilliant sophomore season with a fourth-place finish in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar Nov. 1. "Journalism has been back with Michael McCarthy...

Bill Knauf, the president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, joined this week's TDN Writers' Room to outline plans for the future of racing in Maryland, including this year's Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park.

GI Preakness Stakes winner War of Will (War Front) will relocate from Claiborne Farm to New York's Rockridge Stud for 2026, the farm announced Sunday. "We are honored to have this opportunity with Gary [Barber] on another stallion and thrilled to have Claiborne dipping a toe into the NY market," said President of Rockridge Lere Visagie. Barber added, "I am very much looking forward to supporting War of Will in the lucrative New York breeding program. With the new Belmont facility coming online with three surfaces, I know War of...

GI Santa Anita Derby and GI Preakness Stakes winner Journalism (Curlin) continued to prep for his upcoming start in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic Nov. 1, working a half-mile bullet in company in :47.0 (1/41) Friday at Santa Anita. Journalism shared the bullet for the distance with his workmate, Touch of Destiny (Midshipman), an group-winning import from Uruguay who has not started in the U.S. Of Journalism, trainer Mike McCarthy said "I thought he worked well. It was just an easy half-mile, a leg stretcher." Journalism most recently was second...

Despite the fact that Journalism (Curlin) became the first of his generation to earn as many as three elite-level victories with his thrilling success in the GI NYRABets Haskell Stakes last weekend, Godolphin's Sovereignty (Into Mischief) remains at the head of this year's sophomore class by virtue of convincing head-to-head tallies in the GI Kentucky Derby on May 3 and when last seen in the GI Belmont Stakes right here at Saratoga on June 7. But the argument can be made that Saturday's GII Jim Dandy Stakes at the Spa...

Journalism (Curlin) won again, taking down the GI Haskell S. at Monmouth. But that's what we've come to expect from one of the sport's most consistent horses and the trainer, Michael McCarthy, who has pushed all the right buttons. To talk about Journalism and what's ahead for the 3-year-old, McCarthy joined this week's TDN Writers' Room Podcast, presented by Keeneland. McCarthy was this week's Gainesway Guest of the Week. Journalism is a throwback, an iron horse who doesn't miss any dances. McCarthy noticed early on how tough this horse was....

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.--As soon as Sovereignty (Into Mischief) crossed the finish line first in the GI Kentucky Derby, life changed for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. When you have the horse that wins the most famous race in America, the barn has a superstar in it. "The Derby winner is always held in high regard," Mott said outside of his barn at the Oklahoma Training Track. "There are always a lot of people who want to see him. They want to see him train, the want to see him...

BALTIMORE, MD -- In the days leading up to the 150th Preakness, a lot had been made of the one horse that wouldn't make it into Saturday's lineup at Pimlico--Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief). However, those that have been entered in the final renewal of the Classic race before Old Hiltop faces the demolition man are certainly no slouches. Leading the fray, Journalism (Curlin) returns off a runner-up finish in the Run for the Roses. Lest some may have forgotten, however unlikely, he went off post-time favorite for the...

With all eyes on Maryland this week as Saturday's 150th running of the GI Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course takes center stage, a unique organization that highlights all that Maryland's Thoroughbred industry has to offer aims to keep that focus year-round. The Maryland Thoroughbred Partnership (MTP), launched earlier this year, was created by Maryland Thoroughbred industry leaders to educate the general public about the expansiveness of the industry behind the nationally recognized sport of horse racing, which makes up a large part of the state's greater equine industry. The...

The field for the GI Preakness Stakes, ranked in "likeliest winner" order. 1) JOURNALISM (c, Curlin--Mopotism, by Uncle Mo). O- Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, LaPenta, Robert V., Elayne Stables 5 LLC, Magnier, Mrs. John, Tabor, Michael B. and Smith, Derrick; B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Michael W. McCarthy. Sales history: $825,000 Ylg '23 FTSAUG. Lifetime record: GISW, 6-4-1-1, $1,638,880. Last start: 2nd May 3 GI Kentucky Derby. Favorites have lost the last six editions of the Preakness and eight of the last nine (lone exception: the 2-5...

GI Kentucky Derby runner-up Journalism (Curlin) continues to give his connections positive indicators coming out of his run at Churchill Downs nearly two weeks ago. The GI Santa Anita Derby winner, who drew post 2 for the GI Preakness Stakes, vanned from Louisville to Pimlico Tuesday. "From top to bottom, it's a very competitive field that we have a lot of respect for," said co-owner Aron Wellman. "Really our primary focus is on Journalism. We've been very, very intent on making sure that he's giving us all the right signs...