Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will not compete in the Preakness Stakes, effectively ending his bid for the Triple Crown, trainer Cherie DeVaux announced Wednesday. The decision comes just days after Golden Tempo's dramatic victory at Churchill Downs, where he surged from the back of the field to win by a neck. DeVaux cited the horse's well-being and long-term future as the primary reasons for skipping the second leg of the Triple Crown.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
Golden Tempo, ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, won the 152nd Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2026, in a historic race. Trainer Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to train a Derby-winning horse. The decision to skip the Preakness Stakes, scheduled for May 16, means Golden Tempo will instead focus on the Belmont Stakes on June 6 at Saratoga Race Course in upstate New York.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Trainer's Rationale
DeVaux emphasized that Golden Tempo's health and happiness are the top priority. "Golden gave us the race of a lifetime in the Kentucky Derby, and we believe the best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time following such a tremendous effort," the statement read. The short turnaround between the Derby and Preakness—just two weeks—has been a point of contention in horse racing circles, with many trainers opting for longer rest periods.
Historical Context
Golden Tempo is the third Derby winner in the past five years to skip the Preakness. The last horse to complete the Triple Crown was Justify in 2018, followed by American Pharoah in 2015. The Preakness has not had a Triple Crown contender in six of the last eight years, raising questions about the feasibility of the current race schedule.
Potential Schedule Changes
Maryland racing officials are considering moving the Preakness to the fourth Saturday in May to allow more time between the Derby and the second leg. This change aims to encourage more Derby horses to compete in the Preakness, though none of the 18 horses from this year's Derby are expected to run.
Public and Industry Reaction
DeVaux expressed gratitude for the support but reiterated the decision was made with Golden Tempo's best interests in mind. "The enthusiasm from racing fans, our owners, and our entire team has meant more to us than we can properly express," she said. The move has sparked debate among racing enthusiasts about the balance between competitive ambition and animal welfare.