In a move that's becoming a familiar story in horse racing, the Kentucky Derby winner will once again sit out the Preakness Stakes. Golden Tempo, who captured the Run for the Roses in stunning fashion, will instead set his sights on the Belmont Stakes next month.
Trainer Cherie DeVaux made the announcement Wednesday, explaining that the decision was made with the horse's long-term health and career in mind. "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," DeVaux wrote in a statement.
Golden Tempo's Derby victory was nothing short of spectacular. Entering as a 23-1 long shot, the colt made a powerful late charge down the stretch to edge out the favorite, Renegade. The win was historic, making DeVaux the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner—a milestone that captured the hearts of racing fans everywhere.
This marks the second consecutive year that the Derby winner has passed on the Preakness. Last year, Sovereignty made the same choice, highlighting a growing trend among trainers who feel the two-week gap between the first two Triple Crown races is too tight. Many believe it's a risky window that can compromise a horse's ability to compete in major summer and fall events.
The Preakness is scheduled for May 16 at Laurel Park, just south of Baltimore, as Pimlico Race Course undergoes a grandstand renovation. Pimlico is expected to host the Preakness again in 2027. As of Wednesday afternoon, none of the 19 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby have committed to the Preakness field.
Golden Tempo's next challenge will be the Belmont Stakes on June 6 at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. Like the Preakness, the Belmont is also at a temporary venue this year due to construction at its main facility on Long Island.
For racing fans, the Triple Crown trail just got a little more intriguing. Will Golden Tempo prove that patience pays off? We'll find out in June.