Golden Tempo Will Skip Preakness: Triple Crown Dreams Dashed for History-Making Trainer Cherie DeVaux

In a stunning reversal that has sent shockwaves through the thoroughbred racing world, Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will not run in the Preakness Stakes on May 16. The announcement came Wednesday from history-making trainer Cherie DeVaux, who confirmed that the decision to bypass the second leg of the Triple Crown was made “as a team” in the best interest of the horse. For fans who dared to dream of the first Triple Crown winner since Justify in 2018, this news is a bitter pill to swallow.

Golden Tempo’s victory in the 152nd Kentucky Derby on Saturday was nothing short of cinematic. The colt, dismissed by many as a longshot, stormed from dead last to win by a neck in a thrilling stretch drive. More importantly, DeVaux became the first woman trainer in history to saddle a winner in the iconic Churchill Downs event. Now, just days after that historic triumph, the horse’s connections have chosen a conservative path—one that prioritizes longevity over glory.

Why Golden Tempo is Bypassing the Preakness Stakes

In a statement released Wednesday, DeVaux explained that the decision was not made lightly. “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,” she said. The trainer emphasized that the horse came out of the race in good health, but the physical and emotional toll of the Derby—a race run at a blistering pace—necessitated a break.

The timing is critical. The Preakness Stakes is scheduled just two weeks after the Derby, offering the shortest turnaround of any Triple Crown race. This compressed schedule has historically been a graveyard for Derby winners. Since 2000, only five Derby winners have gone on to win the Preakness. Many more have faltered, either due to fatigue, injury, or simply the inability to replicate their peak performance.

DeVaux’s decision echoes the cautionary tale of other recent Derby winners. In 2023, Mage skipped the Preakness after a similar discussion. In 2022, Rich Strike also bypassed the second leg. The pattern is clear: modern trainers are increasingly prioritizing the horse’s long-term health over the fleeting glory of a Triple Crown bid.

Expert Analysis: The Cost of a Triple Crown Run

“This is a smart, if heartbreaking, decision,” says veteran racing analyst and former jockey Mark Johnson. “The Triple Crown is a brutal gauntlet. Three races in five weeks at three different distances. It’s not just about talent; it’s about durability. Golden Tempo’s Derby win was a masterpiece of late acceleration, but that kind of effort taxes a horse’s system. You can’t just show up two weeks later and do it again.”

The numbers back him up. Since 1970, only 13 horses have completed the Triple Crown. The last was American Pharoah in 2015. Justify followed in 2018, but he was a freak of nature—a horse who had never run as a two-year-old and was built for speed and stamina. Golden Tempo, by contrast, is a smaller colt who relies on a devastating closing kick. That style of running, where he must conserve energy and then explode, is notoriously difficult to replicate on short rest.

DeVaux’s statement also hinted at a broader strategy. “We are incredibly appreciative of the excitement and support surrounding the possibility of a Triple Crown run,” she wrote. “But our first responsibility is to Golden.” The horse’s connections, which include owner Michael and Mary Beth Smith, have not yet announced a specific target for his next race. However, industry insiders expect Golden Tempo to point toward the Belmont Stakes in June, or possibly the Travers Stakes in August.

• Belmont Stakes (June 6): At 1 1/2 miles, the Belmont is the longest and most grueling of the Triple Crown races. Golden Tempo’s stamina, proven in the Derby, makes him a natural fit.
• Travers Stakes (August 22): Known as the “Midsummer Derby,” this race offers a longer break and a massive purse. It has historically been a target for horses who skip the Preakness.
• Breeders’ Cup Classic (October): The ultimate year-end goal. A win here would cement Golden Tempo’s legacy as the best of his generation.

What This Means for the 2026 Preakness Field

Without Golden Tempo, the Preakness field suddenly becomes wide open. The likely favorite is Angel of Empire, who finished second in the Derby after a strong stretch run. Other contenders include Fort Bragg, who ran third at Churchill Downs, and Practical Move, the Santa Anita Derby winner who skipped the Derby due to a minor injury.

The absence of a Triple Crown hopeful will also impact television ratings and betting handle. The Preakness traditionally benefits from the narrative of a potential Triple Crown winner. Without that storyline, the race becomes a pure competition among talented but unproven three-year-olds. “It’s a shame for the sport,” says Johnson. “But it’s the reality of modern racing. Horses are more fragile, and owners are more cautious. The days of Secretariat running every two weeks are over.”

For DeVaux, the decision is a calculated risk. She has already made history as the first woman to train a Derby winner. Now, she must prove that she can manage a champion’s career with the same skill she displayed on the track. “Cherie is a brilliant trainer,” says Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, who has won the Triple Crown twice. “She knows her horse better than anyone. If she says he needs time, I believe her.”

The Legacy of Golden Tempo: More Than a Derby Winner

Even without a Triple Crown, Golden Tempo’s legacy is secure. His Derby victory was a masterclass in patience and timing. Under jockey Flavien Prat, the colt sat last in a 20-horse field, watching as the leaders burned through suicidal fractions. When Prat asked for run at the top of the stretch, Golden Tempo responded with a burst of speed that left the crowd in awe. He passed horse after horse, finally catching the leader at the wire.

That performance earned him a Beyer Speed Figure of 106, which is respectable but not historic. However, his ability to close from 20 lengths back suggests a horse with immense potential. With more time to mature, Golden Tempo could develop into a truly dominant force. “He’s still learning,” says Prat. “He’s a baby. The Derby was only his fifth career start. Imagine what he’ll be like at four or five.”

The decision to skip the Preakness also highlights a broader trend in American racing: the decline of the Triple Crown as a singular obsession. Owners and trainers are increasingly focused on the Breeders’ Cup Classic and the Dubai World Cup, which offer larger purses and more forgiving schedules. The Triple Crown, while still prestigious, is no longer the ultimate goal for many top connections.

“The sport has changed,” says DeVaux in her statement. “We have more options now. We can be smart about this.”

Predictions: What’s Next for Golden Tempo and the Sport

Looking ahead, Golden Tempo’s next start will likely come in the Belmont Stakes on June 6. The 1 1/2-mile distance plays to his strengths, and the five-week gap between races gives him ample time to recover. If he wins there, he will be hailed as a champion, even without the Preakness on his resume.

If he skips the Belmont as well, the Travers Stakes in Saratoga is a logical target. That race has produced several Horse of the Year winners, including Arrogate and American Pharoah. A victory there would set up a showdown in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar in November.

For now, the racing world must wait. Golden Tempo is resting at Churchill Downs, enjoying the lush grass of his private paddock. His team is monitoring his weight, his appetite, and his attitude. When he’s ready, they’ll announce his next move. Until then, the Triple Crown dream is on hold—but the story of Golden Tempo is far from over.

Conclusion: A Smart Decision for a Special Horse

Cherie DeVaux’s decision to skip the Preakness Stakes with Golden Tempo is a testament to her maturity as a trainer. In an era where horses are pushed to their limits, she chose the path of prudence over glory. It’s a move that will disappoint fans, but it’s one that will likely extend the career of a horse who has already given us a lifetime of thrills.

The Triple Crown will have to wait for another year. For now, we celebrate Golden Tempo’s historic Derby win and look forward to his next chapter. Whether it’s the Belmont, the Travers, or the Breeders’ Cup, one thing is certain: this colt has the heart of a champion. And with DeVaux at the helm, his future is brighter than ever.

Key Takeaways:

• Golden Tempo will skip the Preakness Stakes on May 16.
• Trainer Cherie DeVaux cited the need for rest after the Kentucky Derby.
• The horse is likely to target the Belmont Stakes or Travers Stakes next.
• The Preakness field is now wide open, with Angel of Empire as the likely favorite.
• DeVaux’s decision reflects a modern trend toward horse welfare over Triple Crown ambitions.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.