Golden Tempo Ruled Out of Preakness After Historic Kentucky Derby Victory

Washington, United States (AFP) — Golden Tempo, this year’s Kentucky Derby winner, is set to miss the Preakness Stakes, trainer Cherie DeVaux confirmed on Wednesday, shutting down talk of a Triple Crown attempt in 2026.

The colt produced a dramatic run from the back of the field to capture Saturday’s 152nd Derby at Churchill Downs, while also making DeVaux the first female trainer to win the race.

In a statement, DeVaux said the horse’s owners and team agreed “as a team” to pass on the May 16 Preakness, which is the second leg of US flat racing’s Triple Crown series before the Belmont Stakes in June. Just 13 horses have ever won all three races, and she said the camp was “incredibly appreciative of the excitement and support surrounding the possibility of a Triple Crown run.”

She added, “ 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. “His health, happiness and long-term future will always remain our top priority,” while indicating Golden Tempo is now being prepared for the Belmont on June 6.

Both remaining Triple Crown races are being staged away from their usual tracks this year. The Preakness is scheduled for Laurel Park in Maryland during renovation work at Pimlico Race Course, and the Belmont will be held at Saratoga for a third and final year as Belmont Park upgrades continue.