Full Breakdown
Golden Tempo Skips Preakness, Ending Triple Crown Bid
5/6/2026, 10:06:57 PM
Kentucky Derby Victory and Preakness Decision
Golden Tempo, a 19-year-old colt owned by Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable, won the 152nd Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2026 at Churchill Downs, beating Renegade by a neck at 23-1 odds. Four days later trainer Cherie DeVaux announced the colt will bypass the May 16 Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park, citing the need for additional recovery time.
Recent Pattern of Derby Winners Skipping the Preakness
Golden Tempo joins Rich Strike (2022) and Sovereignty (2025) as the third Derby winner in five years to skip the Preakness. The trend has left the Triple Crown title vacant for eight straight years since Justify’s 2018 sweep.
Key Participants
- Cherie DeVaux – trainer, first woman to win the Derby.
- Golden Tempo – colt, homebred by Phipps and St. Elias Stables.
- Jose Ortiz – jockey, first Derby win.
- Keeneland Association – praised for consistent, safe surface.
Timeline
- Dec 2023: Maiden win at Fair Grounds.
- May 2, 2026: Kentucky Derby victory.
- May 5, 2026: Media availability at Keeneland.
- May 6, 2026: Preakness skip announced.
- May 16, 2026: Preakness (Golden Tempo absent).
- June 6, 2026: Targeted Belmont Stakes.
Data Snapshot
Derby odds were 23-1; earnings $3.1 million. The Preakness field caps at 14 starters. Thirteen horses have won the Triple Crown. Four Derby winners from 2021-2026 have skipped the Preakness.
Implications for Triple Crown and Calendar
Golden Tempo’s withdrawal ends any 2026 Triple Crown bid, extending an eight-year drought. The move fuels calls to lengthen the two-week Derby-Preakness gap, which critics say strains horse recovery.
Official Statements
DeVaux’s team thanked fans, stressed the colt’s health, happiness and long-term future as paramount, and confirmed a Belmont Stakes target on June 6. The team praised Keeneland’s consistent, safe surface.
Criticism & Opposition
Observers say skipping the Preakness weakens the sport’s marquee narrative and highlights the need for calendar reform. Trainer Bob Baffert expressed uncertainty about two-week turnarounds; Bill Mott reiterated that “what’s best for the horse” must guide decisions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I appreciate that there is history with the Triple Crown. I appreciate that everyone's excited about it; however, the horse comes first.” — Cherie DeVaux, Trainer
- “Being a horse trainer is my first obligation, and that's my life's passion and my life's work.” — Cherie DeVaux, Trainer
- “The track is very consistent. It's very safe,” — Cherie DeVaux, Trainer
- “After much thoughtful discussion as a team, we have decided that Golden Tempo will bypass the Preakness Stakes,” — Cherie DeVaux Racing, Official Release
Upcoming Plans
Golden Tempo will resume light jogs at Keeneland on May 8, followed by a gallop on May 9. Connections will assess his condition before deciding on a Belmont Stakes entry on June 6.
