Louisville, KY – Golden Tempo, the impressive winner of the 2026 Kentucky Derby, will bypass the Preakness Stakes, effectively ending any chance of a Triple Crown winner this year. The announcement was made by Cherie DeVaux Racing on Wednesday, May 6, less than a week after Golden Tempo's historic victory at Churchill Downs. The decision prioritizes the colt's health and long-term well-being following a demanding performance.
This marks the third time in the last five years that a Kentucky Derby winner has opted out of the Preakness, following Rich Strike in 2022 and Sovereignty in 2025. The move ensures that horse racing will not see a Triple Crown champion for the eighth consecutive year. Golden Tempo's win was notable, making Cherie DeVaux the first female trainer in the Derby's 152-year history to secure a victory, with jockey Jose Ortiz also earning his first Derby win.
Cherie DeVaux Racing released a statement explaining the decision: > "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." The team plans to point Golden Tempo toward the Belmont Stakes, scheduled for June 6 at Saratoga Race Course.
The consistent trend of Derby winners skipping the Preakness intensifies the ongoing debate within the horse racing community regarding the traditional two-week spacing between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. Many trainers advocate for a longer recovery period between races to protect their horses. The Preakness itself is undergoing changes, with the 2026 race being held at Laurel Park in Maryland due to ongoing renovations at Pimlico Race Course.
