The Preakness Stakes is often called the "Middle Jewel" of the Triple Crown. The 2025 running at Pimlico Race Course delivered a memorable finish that kept horse racing fans on the edge of their seats. If you're searching for the official Preakness order of finish, details on every competitor, or post-race analysis, you're in the right place. Let's break down the results and review what made this year's Preakness unique.
The Preakness order of finish is crucial for bettors, owners, and fans alike. In 2025, Journalism emerged as the standout, surging ahead of Gosger in a dramatic stretch run. Here are the top finishers:
Journalism completed the race in 1:55.37 over 1 3/16 miles, showcasing both resilience and tactical speed.
The story of the 2025 Preakness was shaped by rivalries and tough racing conditions. Journalism, coming off a runner-up finish in the Kentucky Derby behind Sovereignty, faced strong challenges during the race. According to ESPN’s thorough recap, Journalism appeared boxed in near the quarter pole and even endured some bumping. Still, Rispoli found a gap and powered through, displaying the horse’s trademark fight.
Notably, the Preakness this year did not feature the Derby winner, Sovereignty, who skipped the race to rest for the Belmont Stakes. This absence changed the dynamic and shifted the spotlight to Journalism. Despite not having a Triple Crown on the line, the finish provided high tension and excitement for everyone invested in the sport.
While the Preakness delivered thrills, it also sparked discussion about the broader state of American horse racing. Dan Wolken, in his USA TODAY column, points out that the lack of a Derby-Preakness rematch was a missed opportunity for the sport to regain national attention. The shifting landscape—where top horses often bypass one leg of the Triple Crown—continues to challenge the sustainability and mainstream appeal of the series.
The finish order this year also underscores the unique storylines in modern horse racing. Journalism’s win at Preakness, especially after a near miss at Churchill Downs, sets up potential showdowns at Belmont or even the Travers Stakes later in the season.
The Preakness order of finish shapes the outlook for upcoming Triple Crown events and the overall 3-year-old Horse of the Year honors. With Journalism claiming victory and Sovereignty resting for Belmont, fans can look forward to a potential rematch on racing’s biggest stage.
For a complete list of all finishers and purse details, consult major publications like the Baltimore Sun's results page. Detailed insights from the ESPN report add valuable context on each horse’s placement and post-race reactions: Read the full ESPN story.
The 2025 Preakness order of finish will be remembered for Journalism’s grit and the shifting tides within American horse racing. While the absence of the Derby winner left some fans wanting more, the closing moments brought genuine excitement and hope for future showdowns. Horse racing’s future may be uncertain, but the thrill of a close Preakness remains unchanged.
For ongoing updates on Triple Crown standings, future rematches, and complete race charts, visit trusted sources like the Baltimore Sun and ESPN coverage. Stay tuned as the road to the Belmont Stakes heats up, and keep this year’s Preakness finish in perspective—it’s one for the history books.