Journalism is definitely a horse that every trainer will have their eye on come May 3 in the Kentucky Derby. Yeah, he’s definitely the top pick for the Run for the Roses! Trainers like Bob Baffert, who’s on a quest for redemption, are really eager to see if his horses can take down Michael McCarthy’s colt in this race. So, Baffert’s campaign has been pretty tough, and now he’s got another thing on his plate since he had to scratch Rodriguez from the G1 race. What took place?

“…he had a little foot issue right after I breezed him. It’s just one of those things where it’s still a little sensitive and he’s going to need a few more days. You have to be perfect if you’re going to win the Derby. You got to be 100% perfect,” the 72-year-old trainer said, sharing the latest on Rodriguez’s condition with the audience. Looks like Citizen Bull is the last one standing for Baffert in the Run for the Roses. So, here’s the thing? Seems like Baffert’s rival horse’s jockey is off to a good start before the Kentucky Derby.

Jockey Umberto Rispoli will be in the saddle, ready to ride him to the finish line at Churchill Downs on May 3. And he got a huge surprise lately. The official Kentucky Derby account on X just dropped an unexpected update, stating, “Surprise! Umberto Rispoli, the jockey aboard Journalism in tomorrow’s 151st Kentucky Derby, got a surprise visit from his father-in-law: legendary French jockey Gerald Mosse.” This is really great for Rispoli! Feeling a little more confident, huh? For sure!

The social media video was really heartwarming. Rispoli had no idea his father-in-law was right there, and it took him a little while to wrap his head around the fact that he was standing in front of him. Rispoli is married to Kimberley Mosse, who happens to be Gerald’s daughter. Mosse, known for his impressive international wins like the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the Melbourne Cup, has really shaped Rispoli’s career.

Rispoli and Mosse share a connection that goes beyond just being family. They’ve spent time together, even riding side by side during visits, which has really helped Rispoli grow as a jockey through that mentorship. Rispoli has gained some really valuable insights and support from this relationship while he’s been busy building his successful career across Europe, Hong Kong, and the United States.

This year is shaping up to be pretty special, especially since it seems like Mosse will be there with his son-in-law, cheering him on at the Kentucky Derby. There’s a lot of faith being placed in Journalism, and his trainer knows exactly what it means for spectators to watch his horse race.

All eyes are on Journalism before the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby definitely isn’t just about Bob Baffert. Trainers like Michael McCarthy, who trains Journalism, are also on the hunt for glory. But you know, there’s another reason that pushes him to go after that G1 event.

“There’s a whole gamut of emotions. You know, you’re upset that, you know, your community is called through this. You’re angry that, you know, maybe some of this could have been avoided. It’s been a few months now. People are still healing. People are still without a place to live. So maybe for a couple hours on Saturday, we can provide them a little bit of entertainment,” stated the horse trainer.

McCarthy was really impacted by the Eaton Fire that took place in Altadena, California, a few months back. The wildfire came alarmingly close to his home, only 600 feet away, causing some smoke damage and prompting his family to pack up and stay at a hotel. But McCarthy hung around, watching over his property while all the action was happening around him.

He talked about feeling both angry and sad about the destruction they all went through. This turned into the motivation he needed to continue training Journalism.