DEL MAR — Prized 4-year-old racehorse Journalism was retired to stud Friday morning, six days after suffering an injury during the San Diego Handicap at Del Mar.
Journalism appeared to suffer an injury to his left hind suspensory ligament during an incident at the starting gate, said Aron Wellman of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners.
Down by five lengths seconds after belatedly leaving the starting gate, Journalism rallied to win the $300,000 Grade II stepping stone to the Pacific Classic. Journalism was considered a strong possibility to run in Del Mar’s premier annual event until Friday’s announcement that the son of Curlin was being retired.
“It’s pretty likely the injury happened right at the break,” Wellman said. “He surged forward, then rocked back. It was during that motion that he likely suffered the injury.
“He had some signs shortly after the race that something wasn’t right. But you never jump to conclusions. After waiting a few days and looking at some test results, it became black and white.
“This all makes his final race even a more incredible performance. He did what he did on three good legs. He had an illustrious career. He took a lot of people on a great ride. Everyone associated with Journalism is happy he can retire safely. He gave us everything and owes us nothing.”
Added trainer Michael McCarthy: “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.
“While it’s tough to see his racing career end this way, protecting him is our top priority. He goes to stud at the top of his game.”
Journalism won the 2025 Preakness Stakes in between second-place finishes to Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. Journalism then won the Haskell Stakes before finishing second to Fierceness in last year’s Pacific Classic and running fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Both those races were held at Del Mar.
Journalism had career earnings of $4.77 million. He won seven of 14 starts, with three second-place finishes and three thirds. Before winning the San Diego Handicap, Journalism had run third in his first two starts of 2026 — the Grade II Oaklawn Stakes on April 18 and the Grade I Metropolitan at Saratoga on June 6.
Jockey Umberto Rispoli was back aboard Journalism for the San Diego Handicap. He rode Journalism in 10 of his 14 career starts, but was replaced by Jose Ortiz for the Breeders’ Cup.
Journalism had three Grade I wins, three seconds, a third and a fourth.
“Journalism made it clear he breathed a different air,” Wellman said. “He possessed every trait you would ever want in an elite champion — pedigree, physique, mechanics, stamina, speed, class, intelligence and courage.
“He had it all. And he was at his very best in the 2025 Preakness.”
Wellman credited the work trainer McCarthy did with Journalism.
“Journalism was always in great and caring hands,” Wellman said. “He was masterfully prepared and guided.”