Preakness 150 Rocked by Scandal: Michael McCarthy Demands Urgent Investigation into Alleged Sabotage of Journalism and Rispoli

What was supposed to be a celebration of one of the most inspiring victories in recent Triple Crown history has now descended into full-blown scandal. Michael McCarthy, the veteran trainer of 2025 Preakness Stakes winner Journalism, has publicly accused rival connections of deliberate foul play — and is calling for an urgent, independent investigation into what he describes as a “coordinated attack” on his horse and jockey, Umberto Rispoli.

In a stunning post-race statement just 24 hours after the dust had settled at Pimlico, McCarthy dropped a bombshell that has rocked the racing world. “We didn’t just win that race,” he said. “We survived it. And if someone doesn’t investigate what happened out there, then the entire sport is in danger of losing its soul.”

According to McCarthy, Journalism was intentionally targeted from the opening break. Citing multiple video angles, he pointed to a suspicious move near the first turn where Journalism was sandwiched tightly between two horses, one of which appeared to veer aggressively off its lane. The move forced Rispoli to check hard, nearly clipping heels, and it looked like Journalism’s chances were gone within the first two furlongs.

But what happened next only added fuel to the fire.

Despite the early chaos, Journalism produced one of the most electrifying stretch runs in Preakness history. Rallying from mid-pack, he surged down the outside to clinch a miraculous victory by a neck — a performance that drew admiration from fans but also raised immediate questions. How could a horse so badly hampered at the start summon such a powerful finish? Was this resilience… or retaliation?

For McCarthy, the answer is clear: “They tried to take us out. Period. But what they didn’t count on was our heart. Journalism is a warrior, and Rispoli rode like a man possessed. But this wasn’t racing — it was warfare.”

Social media erupted within minutes of McCarthy’s allegations. Hashtags like #JusticeForJournalism and #PreaknessScandal began trending nationwide, with fans and racing insiders alike demanding transparency. Many pointed to the lack of disciplinary action from race stewards as a sign of systemic bias or — worse — cover-up. “We saw the footage. How can you ignore that?” wrote one fan. “This wasn’t a hard race — it was a hit job.”

The Maryland Jockey Club and Preakness officials have yet to respond to the growing outrage, a silence that only adds to suspicions. Rumors are swirling that some of the rival stables involved have deep financial ties to key industry stakeholders, raising the specter of conflict of interest and favoritism. “If this gets swept under the rug,” McCarthy warned, “then horse racing isn’t a sport anymore — it’s a rigged game.”

Meanwhile, Umberto Rispoli has chosen not to speak publicly, but sources close to the jockey say he was “shaken” by the intensity of the race and believes the interference was “absolutely intentional.” Despite that, Rispoli’s calm, focused ride is being hailed as the stuff of legend. His partnership with Journalism is now being compared to some of the sport’s all-time great duos.

But McCarthy is far from done. He has vowed to take his concerns to the highest levels, including the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority. “If the stewards won’t act, someone must. This is bigger than a trophy. This is about trust.”

As the Belmont Stakes approaches, all eyes will be on how the racing world responds. Will officials take action, or will silence speak louder than justice?

One thing is certain: the 150th Preakness may have crowned a champion — but it also may have exposed a broken system.