Michael McCarthy celebrated a remarkable victory at the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, showcasing the resilience of both his horse, Journalism, and himself in the face of adversity. After Journalism won the 150th Preakness, McCarthy reflected on their journey, saying, “We’ll rebuild,” in reference to the wildfires that had displaced his family from their Altadena home in Southern California since January. The Eaton fire, which resulted in significant destruction and loss of life, did not destroy McCarthy’s home but severely impacted his community, leaving it devastated.
Journalism’s triumphant run was a testament to this spirit of recovery. The horse staged an impressive comeback, overcoming a five-length deficit and maneuvering through a challenging field to secure the win right at the finish line. McCarthy had faced the fires’ chaos earlier this year, deciding to relocate Journalism and other horses to safety as flames approached nearby. His instincts paid off, as the horse appeared unfazed by the upheaval upon return to Santa Anita.
Despite finishing second in the Kentucky Derby earlier, missing the chance for a Triple Crown after many Derby champions were notably absent from the Preakness, Journalism proved its worth as a favorite with 6-5 odds. This year marked another instance of the Derby winner skipping the Preakness, fueling debate over the toll the Triple Crown schedule places on horses.
Aron Wellman, a co-owner of Journalism, emphasized the symbolic nature of the win, underscoring the collective courage it took from McCarthy, jockey Umberto Rispoli, and the horse itself. This victory represented much more than a horse race; it resonated with themes of resilience and perseverance amidst hardship.
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