Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will not race in the Preakness Stakes on May 16, ending his Triple Crown pursuit. Trainer Cherie DeVaux stated the decision prioritizes the horse's health and future.
Key points
Golden Tempo won the Kentucky Derby.
He will not compete in the Preakness Stakes.
The decision was made by trainer Cherie DeVaux.
Golden Tempo will target the Belmont Stakes next.
The Preakness Stakes is on May 16.
Mentioned in this story
Cherie DeVauxLaurel ParkSaratoga
Preakness StakesBelmont Stakes
Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will not race in Preakness Stakes
"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 on X. "His health, happiness and long-term future will always remain our top priority."
DeVaux added that Golden Tempo will target the Belmont on June 6 at Saratoga.
Golden Tempo won the Kentucky Derby on May 2 at Churchill Downs by a neck over Renegade.
Golden Tempo will become the third of the past five Kentucky Derby winners to skip the Preakness, joining Rich Strike (2022) and Sovereignty (2025).
From 1997-2018, every Kentucky Derby winner went on to compete in the Preakness. Country House ended that streak in 2019 when he contracted a virus just days after the Kentucky Derby. He never raced again.
The decision regarding Golden Tempo is bound to add fire to the debate on the traditional spacing between the Triple Crown races — two weeks between the Kentucky Derby and Preakness and three weeks between the Preakness and Belmont.
Sports Business Journal, citing unnamed sources, reported last month that the Preakness could move dates on the racing calendar starting in 2027.
Q&A
Why won't Golden Tempo race in the Preakness Stakes?
Golden Tempo will not race in the Preakness Stakes to prioritize his health and future after a strong performance in the Kentucky Derby.
When is the Preakness Stakes scheduled?
The Preakness Stakes is scheduled for May 16.
What are Golden Tempo's future racing plans?
Golden Tempo is set to target the Belmont Stakes on June 6 at Saratoga.
Who is the trainer of Golden Tempo?
Cherie DeVaux is the trainer of Golden Tempo.
Related Articles
Soccer
Non-league to top-flight rise 'a killer' on body and mind - Vardy
Jamie Vardy reflects on his tumultuous football journey in a new Netflix documentary.
BBC Sport··1 min read
MLB·Recap
Travis d'Arnaud's 3-run homer, Walbert Ureña's strong outing help Angels beat White Sox 8-2
Angels secure 8-2 win over White Sox with d'Arnaud's three-run homer!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
With Carlos Correa adding to Astros' pile of injuries, could this season already be a lost cause?
Carlos Correa's season-ending injury adds to Astros' struggles in 2026.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports·Recap
Faidell leads undefeated Falmouth boys tennis to an 11th victory
Falmouth boys tennis secures 11th victory, remains undefeated!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
‘There was a hand that tilted it to the wrong side for us’ —Vincent Kompany unhappy about inconsistent refereeing for Bayern Munich
Vincent Kompany unhappy with inconsistent refereeing affecting Bayern Munich's match.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL
Report: Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini rented boat together in June 2021
New details emerge about Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini's boat rental in June 2021.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Golden Tempo (left), ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, won the 152nd Kentucky Derby, May 2, 2026.
Golden Tempo, ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, won the 152nd Kentucky Derby, May 2, 2026.
Golden Tempo, ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, won the 152nd Kentucky Derby, May 2, 2026.
Golden Tempo, ridden by Jose L Ortiz, wins the 2026 Kentucky Derby.
May 2, 2026
1 / 4
Who won the Kentucky Derby 2026? See race photos from Churchill Downs
Golden Tempo (left), ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, won the 152nd Kentucky Derby, May 2, 2026.
1 / 4
Who won the Kentucky Derby 2026? See race photos from Churchill Downs
Golden Tempo (left), ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, won the 152nd Kentucky Derby, May 2, 2026.
2 / 4
Who won the Kentucky Derby 2026? See race photos from Churchill Downs
Golden Tempo, ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, won the 152nd Kentucky Derby, May 2, 2026.
3 / 4
See Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo, trainer Cherie DeVaux
Golden Tempo, ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, won the 152nd Kentucky Derby, May 2, 2026.
4 / 4
Who won the Kentucky Derby 2026? See race photos from Churchill Downs
Golden Tempo, ridden by Jose L Ortiz, wins the 2026 Kentucky Derby.
May 2, 2026
DeVaux was asked about the debate Sunday.
“The Triple Crown is hard to win for a reason,” DeVaux said. “I appreciate the history of it. Horses are definitely different. They’re not built the same. They’re not trained the same as back then. But current times have shown that it can be done with the right horse.”
The Preakness draw is set for 5 p.m. Monday. The race will be held at Laurel Park this year because of renovations at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
