Golden Tempo Skips Preakness Stakes After Kentucky Derby Win, Eyes Belmont Stakes Instead

When Golden Tempo crossed the finish line at the 2026 Kentucky Derby on May 2, the victory etched Cherie DeVaux’s name in history as the first female trainer to win the prestigious race.

However, that historic moment will not extend to the Preakness Stakes. On May 6, DeVaux announced via social media that Golden Tempo would bypass the second leg of the Triple Crown, citing the horse’s health and recovery needs.

"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."

DeVaux confirmed that the team is redirecting Golden Tempo’s path toward the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown.

See the full announcement below:

Preakness announcement pic.twitter.com/8JQu7VZlRC

Golden Tempo Joins Growing List of Derby Winners Skipping Preakness

Golden Tempo’s decision continues a recent trend. Since 2021, four Kentucky Derby winners have skipped the Preakness Stakes:

• Mandaloun (2021)
• Rich Strike (2022)
• Sovereignty (2025)
• Golden Tempo (2026)

This pattern has intensified discussions about the feasibility of the current Triple Crown schedule, particularly the two-week gap between the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.

Trainers and Owners Advocate for Schedule Changes

Criticism of the tight turnaround has mounted in recent years. After Sovereignty’s 2025 Kentucky Derby win, Michael Banahan, a member of the ownership team, acknowledged the strain on the horse:

"He ran really hard today. And especially when you get a closer from off the pace like that, they have to lay their body on the line a little bit. If he responds well, maybe we look at that, you know? But I don’t want to jump in straightaway. We’ll enjoy today. Today was the goal."

Trainer Bill Mott echoed similar sentiments after Sovereignty’s victory, emphasizing the horse’s well-being over a potential Triple Crown:

"We want to do what’s best for the horse. Of course, you always think about a Triple Crown, and that’s not something we’re not going to think about."

Following his Preakness skip, Sovereignty went on to win the 2025 Belmont Stakes, proving that skipping the second leg does not preclude future success.

Tom Rinaldi catches up with Sovereignty's trainer Bill Mott after winning the Belmont Stakes! pic.twitter.com/P1EoOqzhfr

Will Golden Tempo Follow in Sovereignty’s Footsteps?

As Golden Tempo prepares for the Belmont Stakes, all eyes are on whether the horse can replicate Sovereignty’s path to victory. The decision to skip the Preakness also raises questions about the future of the Triple Crown schedule. Could this trend prompt officials to reconsider the demanding timeline for thoroughbreds?