BALTIMORE — The purists and traditionalists have a point: the Triple Crown's legendary difficulty is what makes it so special. But when the chase becomes too daunting to even attempt, something has to give.

For over a century, running in the Preakness Stakes was a non-negotiable rite of passage for every Kentucky Derby winner. Only 13 horses have swept all three jewels in the past 107 years, a testament to the immense challenge. Yet now, a troubling trend is emerging: eight trainers have chosen to skip the Preakness, with four of those decisions coming since 2021 alone.

The Triple Crown shouldn't be so intimidating that no one dares to try.

What makes the racing season so captivating—like any great sports story—is the blend of hope and mystery. We're drawn to the chase. It begins at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, where just last week a 3-year-old colt named Golden Tempo ran what trainer Cherie DeVaux called "the race of a lifetime." Her boots were still caked with Churchill Downs dirt when the Maryland Jockey Club extended an invitation to run in the Preakness.

But for the third time in five years, the chase ended before it truly began.

Trainers of Kentucky Derby winners are increasingly cautious, and with good reason. Modern veterinary medicine and a deeper understanding of equine health have made them prioritize their horses' long-term futures over short-term glory. Who can fault DeVaux, the first female trainer to win the Derby, for stating that Golden Tempo's "top priority" is his health? Last year, Sovereignty's trainer Bill Mott echoed the same sentiment: "We want to do what's best for the horse."

Because the sport has been unwilling to adjust its calendar, the Triple Crown is now on life support. Back-to-back healthy scratches from the Preakness underscore this uncomfortable truth.

"We are incredibly appreciative of the excitement and support surrounding the possibility of the Triple Crown run," DeVaux wrote in a statement Wednesday. "We believe the best decision for [Golden Tempo] moving forward is to give him a little more time following such a tremendous effort."

Instead of chasing history, Golden Tempo will head to the sidelines, leaving fans to wonder: how many more Derbies will the Preakness miss before the calendar gets a much-needed shuffle?