Journalism Retired to Stud Duty Due to Injury

Coolmore America and the ownership group of Journalism announced July 24 the retirement of the multiple grade 1 winner following an injury sustained in the starting gate prior to his victory in the July 18 San Diego Handicap (G2) at Del Mar. After anticipating the break early, Journalism was caught disadvantaged when the latch sprung, leaving the stalls 5-6 lengths behind the field. Sustaining an injury in the process, he showed his trademark toughness, circling the field wide and still powering home to victory. Postrace evaluations confirmed the injury and prompted retirement rather than risking his future. Bred by Don Alberto Corp. and trained by Michael McCarthy, the son of Curlin is out of Mopotism, a grade 2 winner and multiple grade 1-placed daughter of Uncle Mo. Highly regarded from the beginning, Journalism capped his juvenile season with a victory in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) before establishing himself as a top-class sophomore with dominant victories in the 2025 Santa Anita Derby (G1), Preakness Stakes (G1), and the Haskell Stakes (G1). A model of consistency at the highest level, he also produced outstanding performances throughout the Triple Crown, finishing runner-up in both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1). In his 14 starts, Journalism was only out of the top three once when he ran fourth in last year's Breeders' Cup Classic (G1). He retires with $4,770,755 in earnings. Reflecting on the decision, McCarthy said: "What Journalism did at Del Mar was the mark of a true champion. To suffer an injury in the gate, give away that much ground, and still win purely on heart and class tells you everything you need to know about him. He owes us absolutely nothing. While it's tough to see his racing career end this way, protecting him is our top priority, and he goes to stud at the top of his game." Ashford Stud's Charlie O'Connor said: "Journalism was everything you could hope for in a racehorse. He had exceptional talent, tremendous consistency, and an attitude that set him apart. To do what he did at Del Mar last weekend—overcoming adversity and an injury to win—proved once again what a warrior he is. He is an outstanding physical specimen with a world-class pedigree, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Ashford. We firmly believe he has all the qualities to become a top-tier sire." Aron Wellman of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners added: "From the moment Meda Murphy broke him at Bridlewood Farm in Ocala, through every stage of his development with Michael McCarthy, who did such a masterful job guiding him through his career, Journalism made it abundantly clear he breathed different air. He possessed every trait you could ever conjure up for an elite racehorse. Pedigree, physique, mechanics, speed, stamina, soundness, class, intelligence, and courage … he had it all in spades. "Even though he dazzled us on so many occasions, never were all those superior qualities on display more so than in his unforgettable Preakness triumph, and it is only fitting he secured a classic, as he epitomizes everything an American classic champion should. He gave us the ride of a lifetime, and we are excited to partner with Coolmore as he begins his next chapter." Journalism will now begin his stallion career at Ashford Stud, where a stud fee will be announced later.