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| Staff Writer |
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Journalism's dramatic victory in the 150th Preakness Stakes was the stuff of racing dreams – a five-length deficit transformed into triumph through sheer determination and heart. For Aron Wellman, founder of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and the man behind the colt's remarkable journey, the victory validated everything he stands for in his "Believe Big" philosophy.
The son of Curlin stormed home to win by half a length after being boxed in and seemingly beaten entering the final furlong at Pimlico Racecourse. The performance left even seasoned racing professionals speechless, including Wellman himself.
"It was a wonderful celebration of elation in the moment because of the circumstances and the dramatic way in which Journalism pulled off the unthinkable," Wellman reflected in an exclusive interview following the US$2 million triumph.
"We had a great Winner's Circle celebration, then we went back to the barn and celebrated around the barn with the groom, the exercise rider, and the partners."
The victory came just two weeks after Journalism finished second as the favourite in the Kentucky Derby, losing by a length and a half to Sovereignty. As the dust settles on his Preakness triumph, Wellman faces the tantalising prospect of a potential Triple Crown bid.
"You just don't see horses do what he was able to do and overcome the adversity that he overcame, especially in an American classic like the Preakness Stakes," Wellman said.
"It certainly defied logic, and I think he proved that he is an extraordinary individual."
Under jockey Umberto Rispoli, Journalism overcame significant traffic problems in the stretch, squeezing between horses before unleashing a devastating turn of foot. It marked his first Triple Crown victory for Rispoli, making him the first jockey from Italy to win any of the Triple Crown races.
"He is an extraordinary individual. He's a beautiful horse," Wellman continued, his admiration for the colt evident. The performance at Pimlico confirmed what many had suspected – that Journalism possessed something special that transcended ordinary racing ability.
With Journalism now safely at Saratoga Racecourse, where the Belmont Stakes will be run on 7th June due to renovations at Belmont Park, Wellman is taking a measured approach to the final leg of the Triple Crown.
"I'm just relishing this victory right now, and he has made his way safely, thankfully, to Saratoga, where he is getting acquainted with the surroundings," Wellman explained.
"He went back to the track for the first time today, where he just had an easy jog to get his blood flowing again, and we'll go through the same process we went through between the Derby and the Preakness."
The methodical approach that has served the connections well remains unchanged. "Fortunately, we have an added week beyond just the two-week turnaround that we had to decide between the Derby and the Preakness, as we now have three weeks between the Preakness and the Belmont to decide whether to enter him."
Wellman describes the process as prioritising the horse's welfare above all else. "We'll go through the same process, which is putting the horse first, evaluating his appetite, his energy, his condition, his mindset. And it'll be up to Michael McCarthy. If he sees the right signs and is comfortable with another run and another classic, three races in five weeks, then we'll give him the green light."
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While the immediate focus remains on the potential Belmont Stakes appearance, Wellman isn't looking too far ahead. "The Triple Crown races were our focal point for the season, and we're not looking all that far beyond that, nor are we taking anything for granted. So, we're focused on the Belmont Stakes and determining what's best for the horse and our partnership."
However, the tantalising prospect of an entire campaign through the year's biggest races remains alive. "Of course, if we're fortunate enough to keep considering those races, the schedule moving forward would be races like the Haskell, the Travers, and of course, the Breeders' Cup Classic. So, in a perfect world, we can still put all of those races in play – no international racing this season."
Wellman's approach remains grounded despite the lofty ambitions. "But again, we're just taking it one step at a time, and hopeful that he allows us to keep having to make those decisions, or better yet, that he keeps making those decisions easy for us."
The Journalism ownership structure represents everything that Wellman has built Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners to achieve. What began as a targeted purchase has evolved into a stellar partnership featuring some of racing's most respected names.
"He was the horse that Eclipse focused on, basically, just at Saratoga, and immediately thereafter, George Isaac of Bridlewood Farm, who's been a great partner of ours, expressed his admiration for the colt and a desire to be in the partnership, which we welcomed, of course, with open arms," Wellman recalled.
The partnership quickly expanded to include other significant players. "Right after that, Bob LaPenta also expressed an interest in joining the partnership, and that would have been the original three from our Tapwrit partnership who won the Belmont Stakes in 2017. So that was phenomenal to get the band back together."
The addition of the colt's breeder added another dimension. "And then, of course, Don Alberto, the Heller family, Reid Ramler, their manager, who sold the horse and bred it the night prior, also expressed an interest in retaining an equity position in Journalism."
The final piece of the partnership puzzle came with international recognition. "So those were the original four, and then it was hugely humbling to have Coolmore come in and buy a stallion right before the Kentucky Derby. So, it's an incredible class of esteemed owners and breeders that have just been on a magnificent ride."
Journalism's bloodlines tell a story of excellence, being a son of the mighty Curlin. For Wellman, the parallels between father and son are becoming increasingly apparent.
"He's got a way to go to be on par with Curlin's racing career, but he's on a good trajectory," Wellman noted.
"I think it starts with the rare blend of elite physical and mental constitution. Curlin was an incredibly sturdy horse, as is Journalism; very well built, almost made of steel, and has the physical attributes and the natural talent to compete and win at the highest level."
The mental aspect sets both horses apart. "But he's got the psychological brilliance to match the physical talent, which is hard to come by. And then what thrust Journalism into another stratosphere in the Preakness was his incomparable heart and determination that no one could measure."
The Preakness performance represented the ultimate embodiment of Wellman's "Believe Big" philosophy. "He epitomises 'Believe Big.' He has been a fierce competitor with bold ambition from the beginning of his career. He has overcome adversity on multiple occasions. He has not backed down from any battle throughout his career."
The victory at Pimlico crystallised everything Wellman believes about the sport.
"To believe big, you've got to have a massive heart, and he proved that in spades in the Preakness Stakes. So, he embodies all that 'Believe Big' stands for, and it's a true pleasure, honour, and privilege to be associated with such an incredible racehorse."
Reflecting on the team effort that made it all possible, Wellman was gracious in his praise. "Well, thankfully, the horse has made it easy for us. He's been a dream from the beginning, and as Michael McCarthy said after the Preakness, he keeps proving that he's a gift from above."
As Journalism settles into his new surroundings at Saratoga, preparing for what could be a historic bid for Triple Crown glory, Wellman's measured optimism reflects the wisdom gained from years in the sport. The next chapter of this remarkable story awaits, with the Belmont Stakes potentially serving as the stage for Journalism to cement his place among racing's elite.