LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Preakness Stakes winner Journalism has been retired after suffering an injury before last weekend's San Diego Handicap, his owners announced Friday.
The multiple Grade 1 winner will begin his stallion career at Ashford Stud in Versailles, Ky,. during the 2027 breeding season.
According to Coolmore America and the ownership group, Journalism was injured in the starting gate before Saturday's Grade 2 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar. After anticipating the start, the colt was left five to six lengths behind the field when the gate opened.
Despite the injury and poor start, Journalism rallied from last to win the race. Post-race examinations confirmed the injury, and connections elected to retire him rather than continue racing.
"What Journalism did at Del Mar was the mark of a true champion," trainer Michael McCarthy said in a statement. "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."
Bred by Don Alberto Corporation, Journalism was one of the top horses of his generation. The son of Curlin won the Los Alamitos Futurity at 2 before capturing the Santa Anita Derby, Preakness Stakes and Haskell Stakes during his 3-year-old season.
He also finished second in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes and was remarkably consistent throughout his career. In 14 starts, Journalism finished in the top three in every race except a fourth-place finish in last year's Breeders' Cup Classic.
Ashford Stud manager Charlie O'Connor called Journalism "everything you could hope for in a racehorse."
"He had exceptional talent, tremendous consistency and an attitude that set him apart," O'Connor said. "We firmly believe he has all the qualities to become a top-tier sire."
Journalism will stand at Ashford Stud beginning with the 2027 breeding season. His stud fee will be announced later.
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