The 150th edition of the Preakness Stakes, held on May 18, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, will be remembered for its thrilling finish and symbolic importance. It marked not only a milestone anniversary but also the final Preakness Stakes at the original Pimlico track before the venue undergoes major redevelopment.
With over 100,000 spectators in attendance and millions more watching worldwide, the excitement surrounding the second jewel of the Triple Crown was undeniable.
The Race: Journalism’s Tactical Masterclass
The spotlight of the day fell on Journalism, the 3-year-old colt trained by John Sadler and ridden by Umberto Rispoli. Entering the race as a slight favorite at 8-5 odds, Journalism had everything to prove after finishing second in the Kentucky Derby, narrowly losing to Sovereign. sports news
At the break, Journalism settled mid-pack, conserving energy while the early leaders set a strong pace. As the race progressed into the final turn, Rispoli made a decisive move. Cutting through traffic along the rail, Journalism accelerated with powerful strides.
Despite a bump in the final 200 meters caused by contact with Clever Again and Goal OrientedJournalism held his line, maintained composure, and surged forward to cross the finish line first.
Official Preakness 2025 Results
Here are the final standings and finish times for the top contenders:
| Position | Horse | Odds | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Journalism | 8-5 | 1:54.82 |
| 2nd | Gosger | 20-1 | +0.5L |
| 3rd | Sandman | 4-1 | +1.25L |
| 4th | Goal Oriented | 12-1 | +2L |
| 5th | Clever Again | 15-1 | +2.5L |
| 6th | Heart of Honor | 10-1 | +3.25L |
| 7th | River Thames | 30-1 | +5L |
| 8th | American Promise | 22-1 | +7L |
| 9th | Pay Billy | 40-1 | +8.5L |
Race Summary: Payouts and Betting Info
Winning Payouts (Based on $2 Bet):
- Journalism (Win): $4.00
- Place: $2.80
- Show: $2.40
- Exacta (Journalism/Gosger): $45.60
- Trifecta (Journalism/Gosger/Sandman): $122.30
- Superfecta (Top 4): $390.80
Bettors who backed Journalism enjoyed solid returns, while longshot Gosger’s second-place finish boosted the value of exotic wagers.
Coach and Jockey Reactions
John Sadler (Trainer, Journalism):
“This colt has so much heart. He showed it again today. After a tough Derby loss, to come back and win like this—it says everything about his ability and temperament.”
Umberto Rispoli (Jockey, Journalism):
“We got a perfect trip. He waited for the right moment and exploded through the gap. Even after the bump, he stayed focused. I’m proud of him.”
Significance of the 2025 Preakness Victory
Journalism’s win at the Preakness puts him back into the spotlight as a serious contender for the Triple Crown. Although he won’t complete the traditional sweep since Sovereign won the Kentucky Derby, he still has the opportunity to become the first horse since 2012 to win both the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes after placing in the Derby.
The storyline heading into the Belmont Stakes 2025 at Saratoga is compelling: a possible rematch between Journalism and Sovereign, and a final shot for either colt to stamp their legacy on the 2025 Triple Crown season.
What to Expect at the 2025 Belmont Stakes
With two different horses winning the first two legs of the Triple Crown, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown at Saratoga Racecourse on June 8, 2025. All eyes will be on Journalism and Sovereign, and fans are already buzzing about the possibility of a split Triple Crown one horse wins the Derby, another the Preakness, and a third potentially the Belmont.
