Journalism is a bay colt foaled on February 6, 2022, who has emerged as one of the most promising American Thoroughbreds of his generation. This talented racehorse has achieved remarkable success in his young career, establishing himself among elite company in Triple Crown racing history.
Background and Breeding
Journalism was bred in Kentucky by Don Alberto Corporation and represents exceptional bloodlines in American racing. His sire is Curlin, the 2007 and 2008 American Horse of the Year who stands at Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms for $225,000. His dam is Mopotism, a multiple Grade I-placed, graded stakes winner who captured the 2018 Grade II La Canada Stakes and placed in four Grade I stakes races. Mopotism earned $876,090 from 26 starts before retirement, making Journalism her first foal.
The colt’s pedigree reflects classic American racing bloodlines, with Mopotism being out of Peppy Rafaela, a Bernardini daughter who is a half-sister to multiple graded stakes winner Songster. Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners purchased Journalism for $825,000 at Fasig-Tipton’s The Saratoga Sale in 2023. His ownership group includes Don Alberto, Bridlewood Farm, Elayne Stables 5, Robert LaPenta, and as of March 2025, Coolmore partners Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier, and Michael Tabor, who have an agreement to stand him at Ashford Stud upon retirement.
The Name’s Origin
The horse’s distinctive name comes from co-owner Aron Wellman, a former sports editor of the Beverly Hills High School newspaper. Wellman explained that following Claiborne Farm’s traditional naming conventions, they wanted a one-word name connecting to the horse’s lineage. Since his dam is named Mopotism, they chose another word ending in “ism,” settling on Journalism due to Wellman’s respect for the profession.
Running Style
Journalism demonstrates a versatile and tenacious running style that has become his trademark. Race analyses reveal several key characteristics:
Mid-Pack Tactical Approach
Journalism typically employs a mid-pack running style rather than setting the early pace. This tactical approach allows him to conserve energy while positioning for his signature late runs.
Exceptional Recovery Ability
His most distinctive trait is his ability to overcome adversity during races. In the Santa Anita Derby, despite being caught in a pocket on the inside and becoming short of room on the home bend where he was last, Journalism demonstrated remarkable resilience. He moved into third before the top of the stretch and gradually wore down the runner-up to win by three-quarters of a length.
Late-Running Power
Journalism excels at making sustained drives in the stretch. Racing analysts note that “horses don’t typically recover from having their momentum checked on the dirt,” yet Journalism’s Santa Anita Derby performance “pointed to his top-class potential every bit as much as the stopwatch had suggested”. His ability to recover from traffic problems and deliver when it matters most has earned him recognition as having “an amazing style”.
Versatility Across Distances
His race record shows effectiveness from 6 furlongs to 1¼ miles, demonstrating range uncommon among top-class horses. This versatility, combined with his classic pedigree, suggests stamina bred for the longer Triple Crown distances.