May 19, 2025

Aron Wellman ’02’s Colt “Journalism” Places Second at the Kentucky Derby, Triumphs in the Preakness

Aron Wellman ’02 watched his colt, Journalism, finish a neck behind the winner in the May 3 Kentucky Derby—then returned two weeks later to Pimlico and capture the 150th Preakness Stakes by a half-length.

Wellman, a former trial lawyer, founded Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners in 2011 on the philosophy “Believe Big.” His journey began long before the winner’s circle: as a law student, he spent every summer mucking stalls at Del Mar, learning from trainer Jude Feld and Hall of Fame jockeys Bill Shoemaker and Eddie Delahoussaye.

Journalism, a son of Curlin bought for $825,000 at Saratoga, proved himself in prep races at Santa Anita and Los Alamitos before Churchill Downs. Journalism pressed the pace and held on for second.

At Pimlico, trainer Michael McCarthy—a childhood acquaintance of Wellman's from Del Mar—paired with jockey Umberto Rispoli to navigate traffic and unleash Journalism’s late kick. “He’s a gift from above,” McCarthy said, as the colt powered through a five-length field in the final furlong.

With Derby favorite Sovereignty sidelined, Eclipse’s ownership group, which includes Coolmore, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable and Robert LaPenta, now sets its sights on the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga on June 7. “If Michael gives him the green light, we’ll be there,” Wellman affirms.