Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo won’t run in the Preakness Stakes next week, trainer Cherie DeVaux announced. Instead, they are focusing on the Belmont Stakes set for June 6 at Saratoga Race Course in New York.
DeVaux, the first woman to train a Derby winner, expressed her gratitude for the support they received during their Derby journey. “Golden gave us the race of a lifetime,” she said. “His health and happiness are our top priority.”
Skipping the Preakness isn’t unusual. In fact, it’s the third time a Derby winner has bypassed this race in the last five years. Over the past four decades, only American Pharoah in 2015 and Justify in 2018 have won the Triple Crown, highlighting a shift in the sport. Many trainers now prefer longer recovery times between races, making the traditional two-week gap between the Derby and Preakness a challenging decision.
Interestingly, Maryland racing officials are considering rescheduling the Preakness from the third Saturday in May to the fourth. This change could allow more horses from the Derby to compete. None of the 18 horses from this year’s Derby, except for Golden Tempo, will enter the Preakness.
This year, the Preakness will take place at Laurel Park due to ongoing renovations at Pimlico Race Course. This construction aims to modernize the facility and enhance year-round racing experiences in Maryland when it reopens next year.
Golden Tempo soared to victory in the Derby as a 23-1 long shot, edging out favorite Renegade. DeVaux and co-owner Daisy Phipps Pulito will keep an eye on Golden Tempo’s recovery before making any further decisions.
It’s worth noting that last year, trainer Bill Mott opted not to run Derby champion Sovereignty in the Preakness, ultimately leading to wins in both the Belmont and Travers Stakes. This underscores the growing trend of prioritizing a horse’s long-term well-being over immediate race participation.
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