The Story Behind Journalism: A Kentucky Derby Favorite with a Unique Name
Each year, the Kentucky Derby provides more than just thrilling horse racing action. One of the delightful traditions surrounding the event is scrutinizing the names of the competing horses. With 20 hopefuls vying for the coveted title, the quest to identify the most creative and memorable moniker is almost as captivating as the race itself. As the 151st Kentucky Derby approaches at Churchill Downs, one horse in particular, Journalism, has captured the attention of fans and bettors alike.
Journalism enters the race as a prominent contender, boasting an impressive streak of four consecutive victories. This Kentucky-bred thoroughbred has quickly become a favorite, leading many to wonder about the origins of its distinctive name. With the Run for the Roses drawing near, it’s time to delve into the story behind Journalism and explore how this talented horse came to be associated with the world of news.
The answer, as it turns out, lies in the background of one of Journalism’s co-owners, Aron Wellman. Wellman, a former sports editor of his high school newspaper in Beverly Hills, California, has a deep appreciation for the field of journalism. This connection played a significant role in shaping the horse’s identity.
Wellman and his fellow owners acquired the horse for a substantial $825,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale in 2023. However, the process of choosing a name proved to be a challenge. They considered drawing inspiration from the horse’s sire, Curlin, and dam, Mopotism, but struggled to find a suitable combination. Ultimately, they decided on Journalism, a name that resonated with Wellman’s personal history and values.
"I’ve often been accused of being a disgruntled sportswriter because of all the writing I do for Eclipse for our partners and our horse updates and weekly newsletter," Wellman shared with the Courier-Journal, a part of the USA TODAY Network. "So journalism is something that I value very much, and I appreciate responsible and diligent journalists."
Wellman further explained the rationale behind the name selection. "For the life of me, I can’t figure out what Mopotism means. We played off of the ‘ism’ part of Mopotism and just tried to find a really good, strong word that ended in ‘ism.’ We came up with Journalism."
While Journalism’s name may be unique, it’s not the first time a media-related moniker has graced the Kentucky Derby. Over the years, several other horses with connections to the world of news have participated in the prestigious race. Newsboy, who ran in 1882, was an early example, finishing in 11th place. Editors Note followed in 1996, securing a sixth-place finish. More recently, Suddenbreakingnews competed in 2016, finishing fifth, and Mr. Big News made a splash in 2020, taking third place.
"It wasn’t intended to be this way," Wellman admitted to the Courier-Journal, referring to the media theme. "But it’s certainly nice to have the media and journalists on our side."
Journalism’s performance on the track has been nothing short of impressive. With a record of 4-0-1 in five starts, the horse has consistently demonstrated its talent and potential. Currently, Journalism is riding a four-race win streak, culminating in a victory at the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 5 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. This victory solidified Journalism’s position as a top contender for the Kentucky Derby.
A closer look at Journalism’s racing history reveals a consistent pattern of success. According to Equibase.com, the horse has consistently performed well in various races, showcasing its speed, stamina, and competitive spirit. This track record has undoubtedly contributed to Journalism’s status as a betting favorite.
For the Kentucky Derby, Journalism will be positioned in the No. 8 post position. Historically, the No. 8 gate has proven to be a favorable starting point, with horses emerging from that position having won the Kentucky Derby nine times. This ties it for the second-most wins from a single post position at Churchill Downs.
As of this writing, Journalism holds the best odds of winning the Kentucky Derby at 7-2, according to the Kentucky Derby’s official website. This reflects the widespread belief that Journalism has a strong chance of emerging victorious. If Journalism wins, it would break a short trend. The last time a morning-line favorite won the Run for the Roses was Justify in 2018.
The combination of a captivating name, impressive racing record, and favorable post position has made Journalism a standout contender in this year’s Kentucky Derby. As the race draws near, all eyes will be on Journalism, to see if this horse with a unique connection to the world of journalism can write its own chapter in Kentucky Derby history.
Beyond the odds and statistics, the story of Journalism serves as a reminder of the human element behind horse racing. It highlights the passion, dedication, and personal connections that owners and trainers bring to the sport. The decision to name a horse Journalism reflects a deep appreciation for the values of integrity, accuracy, and storytelling that are central to the field of journalism.
Whether Journalism ultimately wins the Kentucky Derby or not, its name will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most distinctive and thought-provoking in recent memory. It’s a testament to the power of language and the ability of a name to capture the essence of a horse’s spirit and potential.
