Will Golden Tempo run in 2026 Preakness Stakes? Can Kentucky Derby winner complete Triple Crown?

Golden Tempo's thrilling last-to-first run at the 152nd Kentucky Derby has many wondering whether history-making trainer Cherie DeVaux will take the three-year-old colt to Maryland to run the 151st Preakness Stakes.

Three of the last five Kentucky Derby winners have opted to skip the Run for the Black-Eyed Susans, a recent trend where some trainers have said the two-week turnaround is too short. With a shot at the Triple Crown on the line, will DeVaux and Golden Tempo make the trip to Laurel Park?

Will Golden Tempo run in 2026 Preakness Stakes?

After becoming the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, Cherie DeVaux and Golden Tempo's ownership group have not decided if he will run at the Preakness. DeVaux spoke to media on Tuesday outside of her Keeneland barn.

"We're going to look and see how much energy he has when he's on track, see how he's moving, see his attitude," she said.

"Other people's opinions are not part of the conversation," DeVaux added. "I appreciate that there is history with the Triple Crown. I appreciate that everyone's excited about it; however, the horse comes first."

How many Kentucky Derby winners did not run in the Preakness?

Since 1875 in years when the Kentucky Derby was run before the Preakness, 54 horses have not participated in the Run for the Black-Eyed Susans after winning the Run for the Roses.

Most recently, 2025 Derby champion Sovereignty was not in the field at Pimlico Race Course, making it the fourth Derby winner in seven years to skip the Preakness. Mandaloun, who was declared the winner of the 2021 Kentucky Derby after Medina Spirit was disqualified nine months after the race and did not race in the Preakness that year after crossing the line second at Churchill Downs.