May 17 (UPI) -- Journalism, second in the Kentucky Derby, got home first in the Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the U.S. Triple Crown, at Pimlico Race Course on Saturday -- but only after surviving a scary scrum at the top of the stretch.
With Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty sitting out the Preakness, there was no chance of a Triple Crown sweep. But the victory nonetheless boosted Journalism to the top rank of the 3-year-old competition.
As the horses turned for home, Gosger emerged with the lead after pressing the early pace. Behind him was a wall of horses and behind them was Journalism.
Journalism's jockey, Umberto Rispoli, searched for a way through, finally found a narrow opening and Journalism took it. As the field adjusted to that, several of them came together in a bumping match that, after the race, prompted a stewards' inquiry.
After straightening out, it appeared Journalism had no chance of catching Gosger, who was unaffected by the traffic. With a striking turn of foot, he quickly cut into the margin and won by about 1/2 length.
