Kentucky Derby champion Golden Tempo won’t compete in the Preakness Stakes on May 16. Trainer Cherie DeVaux announced that he will instead focus on the Belmont Stakes scheduled for June 6. In a statement, she praised Golden’s performance in the Derby and emphasized the importance of giving him time to recover after such a big race.
Golden Tempo is the second Derby winner in a row to skip the Preakness, following Sovereignty last year. This raises questions about whether the Triple Crown format needs updating. Many trainers believe the two-week gap between the Derby and the Preakness may not be enough for a horse to recover fully, especially if they aim for success later in the season.
There are discussions about possibly shifting the Preakness date during negotiations for the race’s television rights, which are due for renewal soon. This year’s event will take place at Laurel Park, just south of Baltimore, due to renovations at Pimlico. It’s set to return to its original venue in 2027.
Interestingly, as of now, none of the 19 horses from the Derby have confirmed participation in the Preakness. This trend may suggest a shift in how trainers approach racing schedules, prioritizing the horses’ health and longevity over immediate competition.
The conversation about the Triple Crown’s future is gaining traction. A recent survey indicated that around 60% of trainers would support a longer break between these races to prioritize the well-being of the horses. As discussions continue, it will be interesting to see how the racing schedule evolves to accommodate both the horses’ needs and the excitement of racing fans.
For more insights on this topic, check out this report from the Jockey Club.
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Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Michael Reaves, Cherie DeVaux
