Michael McCarthy experienced a moment of resilience when his horse, Journalism, triumphed at the 150th Preakness Stakes following a dramatic comeback. In a televised interview, McCarthy noted, “We’ll rebuild,” reflecting on his personal struggles amid the wildfires that had recently displaced his family from their Altadena home. While the Eaton fire, which came alarmingly close to their home, caused smoke damage, McCarthy’s neighborhood faced substantial destruction.
Together, the Eaton and Palisades fires destroyed around 16,000 structures and significantly impacted over 30,000 people, leading to an economic loss exceeding $250 billion. On the day the fires began, McCarthy moved Journalism and other horses from Santa Anita Park to safety, a decision that foreshadowed the horse’s unshakeable determination during the race.
At the Preakness, Journalism required a stunning comeback, recovering more than five lengths and securing the lead only in the final strides. This win was particularly significant as it followed a second-place finish to Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby, a notable event considering the Derby champion was notably absent from the Preakness field, stirring debates on the taxing nature of the Triple Crown series on horses.
In a nine-horse race, Journalism initially sat sixth but surged forward, showcasing its strength and fortitude. McCarthy emphasized the challenges of reaching Triple Crown races, praising Journalism’s capabilities. After the race, co-owner Aron Wellman remarked on the poignant symbolism of the victory. The win exemplified resilience not just in horse racing but also reflected McCarthy’s and his community’s strength in overcoming adversity.
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