Multiple stakes winner Journalism, with jockey Umberto Rispoli, right, captures the Grade II $300,000 San Diego Handicap on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, Calif. The well-traveled son of Curlin is trained by Michael McCarthy and owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farms, Don Alberto Stable, et al. Benoit Photo
BENOIT PHOTO
Journalism has already built one of the more compelling profiles in Thoroughbred racing, and his victory in the San Diego Handicap at Del Mar only strengthened that reputation. The Michael McCarthy-trained son of Curlin arrived with a résumé few horses can match, having run in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2025. Now based in California, Journalism could have the 2026 Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland on his calendar as a major year-end target.
Highly Competitive Nature Has Made Journalism A Multi-Millionaire
His record explains why he remains such a prominent name. Through 14 career starts, Journalism has spent his last 12 races competing at the Grade 1 or Grade 2 level, consistently measuring himself against elite company. He has compiled seven wins, three runner-up finishes and three thirds, with his only off-the-board result coming in the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Classic, where he closed to finish fourth. During last year’s Triple Crown series, he ran in all three legs, finishing second in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes while delivering one of the most memorable and courageous Preakness victories in recent history.
That kind of demanding campaign is not for every Thoroughbred. Talent matters, but durability, soundness and a genuine appetite for competition are just as important. Journalism, an $825,000 yearling purchase, has shown all of it while earning more than $4.7 million on the track, repeatedly proving that his determination is every bit as notable as his ability.
“Journalism is a warrior that just loves being a racehorse,” said McCarthy, who has conditioned runners to 23 Grade 1 victories. “He is a horse that always shows up.”
Multiple stakes winner Journalism, with jockey Umberto Rispoli, right, wins the Grade II $300,000 San Diego Handicap on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, Calif. The son of Curlin is trained by Michael McCarthy and owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farms, Don Alberto Stable, et al. Benoit Photo
BENOIT PHOTO
San Diego Win Exemplified Journalism’s Class
The grade 2 San Diego Handicap has long been one of Del Mar’s signature races for older horses. This 85th running featured just a five-horse field and had Journalism as the overwhelming favorite after the scratch of Del Mar specialist Full Serrano. However, as any veteran horsemen will tell you, winning in graded Stakes company is NEVER easy.
Journalism has never been a horse that immediately breaks to the lead, however, it is important to get out of the gate in good order. When the bell rang for the San Diego, McCarthy’s charge missed the break and was almost immediately five lengths behind with the horses just halfway to the first turn. Refusing to panic, jockey Umberto Rispoli settled his mount and cruised up the backstretch looking at all of his competitors. Swinging to the outside at the top of the stretch, the fiery horsepower of this battle-tested beast was unleashed. Powering past The Goat in mid-stretch, Journalism wrote a fairy tale ending in what could have been a horror story. Refusing to lose, this grandson of Uncle Mo delivered yet another courageous performance and this one landed him back in the winner’s circle.
Journalism is owned by Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables LLC., Robert LaPenta, V. Magnier-Lessee, Mrs. John Smith-Lessee, Derrick and Michael Tabor-Lessee. His next start is to be determined.
