Multiple stakes-winner Journalism and jockey Umberto Rispoli, right, win the Grade II $300,000 San Diego Handicap Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar, CA. 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 is one of the top names in the Thoroughbred racing game and his performance in winning the San Diego Handicap at Del Mar only adds to his lore. Having competed in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont Stakes, and Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2025, to say he is battle tested is a bit of an understatement. Trained by Michael McCarthy, this California- based son of Curlin will now set his sights on the 2026 Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland as a potential year-end goal.
Highly Competitive Nature Has Made Journalism A Multi-Millionaire
Journalism has a very impressive record. A quick dissection of his 14 career starts tells us he has been in either grade 1 or grade 2 races in his last 12 starts. These battles against top class horses have yielded 7 wins, 3 second place finishes, and 3 third places. His only finish outside the top three was in the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Classic when he finished a closing fourth. In last year’s Triple Crown Series, he competed in all three races with runner-up finishes in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes wrapped around one of the most heroic winning performances in Preakness history.
Not all Thoroughbreds can engage in such an arduous schedule. Like any athlete, a willingness to compete must be present and of course being sound physically is absolutely necessary. While hauling home over $4.7 million in career earnings on the track, this $825,000 purchase as a yearling’s heart and desire have never come into question.
“Journalism is a warrior that just loves being a racehorse”, says trainer Michael McCarthy, who has condition runners to 23 grade 1 wins. “He is a horse that always shows up.”
Multiple stakes-winner Journalism and jockey Umberto Rispoli, right, win the Grade II $300,000 San Diego Handicap Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar, CA. 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
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.