Golden Tempo, the recent Kentucky Derby champion, will not run in the upcoming Preakness Stakes. Trainer Cherie DeVaux announced the decision, explaining they will instead focus on the Belmont Stakes set for June 6 at Saratoga Race Course in New York. DeVaux, notably the first woman to train a Derby winner, feels that giving Golden Tempo more recovery time is best for his health and future.
This isn’t the first time a Derby winner has skipped the Preakness. In the last five years, three winners have opted out. Interestingly, the Preakness hasn’t featured a potential Triple Crown candidate six times in the last eight years. Only American Pharoah in 2015 and Justify in 2018 have managed to win all three Triple Crown races in the last forty years.
Trainers today often find the two-week break between the Derby and Preakness too short. Most elite horses now typically race once a month or longer. This has led to ongoing discussions in the racing community about adjusting the Triple Crown schedule to better suit modern training practices.
Maryland racing officials are even considering moving the Preakness from the third Saturday in May to later in the month. This change could allow more Derby horses to enter the Preakness, increasing the competition. So far, none of the 18 horses that raced in the Derby are planned for the Preakness, with Golden Tempo being the only one in question.
This year’s Preakness will take place at Laurel Park while Pimlico Race Course undergoes major renovations. The goal is to create a year-round racing venue at Pimlico, transitioning Laurel into a training facility.
Golden Tempo stunned fans with a thrilling win at the Derby as a 23-1 long shot, edging past the favorite, Renegade, by a neck. DeVaux, alongside co-owner Daisy Phipps Pulito, is taking a cautious approach, similar to trainer Bill Mott’s decision last year with Derby winner Sovereignty, who also skipped the Preakness and went on to success in the Belmont.
In recent years, many trainers have recognized the importance of prioritizing their horse’s long-term well-being, leading to shifts in traditional racing strategies. As the sport evolves, such decisions reflect a broader trend in horse racing, where health and performance take precedence over chasing immediate victories.
For more insights on horse racing trends and updates, check out AP Horse Racing.
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Sports, Kentucky Derby, Horse racing, Preakness Stakes, U.S. news, General news
