Preakness finish, explained: Journalism roars down stretch, edges out Gosger after official inquiry replay

The 150th Preakness Stakes was a race for the ages, and Journalism prevailed in the end.

With this year's event being a milestone, it was only right that the race came down to the final moments. The result was an instant classic that will be remembered for some time and looked back upon as one of the best races in 2025 — and one of the best in the Preakness' storied history.

Here's more behind the epic finish that saw Journalism's late push pay off.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Preakness finish, explained

Journalism's win was the product of a "remarkable recovery" to overtake Gosger in the race's final stretch.

The wonderment with which the broadcast outlined the proceedings best describes what transpired, as Journalism nearly checked into the rail and was squeezed into a group of horses before splitting them and emerging to make a final push for the win.

Following the race, Journalism's jockey, Umberto Rispoli, said that going through the horses rather than around was the best strategy.

He acknowledged that when they emerged from the jam, "I knew we were going to make it in time," while all members of Team Journalism lauded the horse's physical traits and mental toughness.

This photo illustrates just how incredible Journalism's push to win was:

A comeback for the ages. #Preakness150 pic.twitter.com/3Sm7Z3RYee

MORE: Full results, finish order & highlights from Pimlico race

Preakness Stakes finish order