Golden Tempo to Skip Preakness, Focus Shifts to Belmont
Trainer Cherie DeVaux announced on Wednesday that Golden Tempo, winner of the 152nd Kentucky Derby, will not compete in the Preakness Stakes.
The decision, attributed to prioritizing the horse's health and long-term recovery following the Derby, directs the colt’s preparation toward the Belmont Stakes on June 6 at Saratoga Race Course.
Decision and Rationale
DeVaux stated publicly that the choice was made in consultation with owners to allow the horse additional rest. The decision follows a routine observation of the horse's energy levels in the days after the Derby.
In a statement posted on social media, DeVaux said:
"His health, happiness and long-term future will always remain our top priority."
Remaining Triple Crown Races
Preakness Stakes
- Date: May 16
- Location: Laurel Park in Maryland
- Attendance: Limited to 4,800 due to ongoing renovations at Pimlico Race Course (expected to return as the host venue in 2027)
- Field: Up to 14 horses can compete; as of the announcement, no horses from the 2025 Kentucky Derby field have committed to running.
- Morning-line favorite: Iron Honor at 9-2 odds
- Other contenders: Ocelli, who finished third in the Derby
Belmont Stakes
- Date: June 6
- Location: Saratoga Race Course in New York
- Distance: 1 1/4 miles instead of its traditional 1 1/2 miles, due to renovations at Belmont Park
Historical and Scheduling Context
- Golden Tempo is the third Derby winner in the last five years to bypass the Preakness, and the second consecutive, following Sovereignty in 2024. Other recent examples include Rich Strike (2022).
- The decision has renewed public discussion among trainers and officials regarding the Triple Crown schedule, specifically the two-week gap between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.
- The Maryland racing commission has reportedly discussed the possibility of moving the Preakness from the third to the fourth Saturday in May.
- The last Triple Crown winner was Justify in 2018. Since 2015, only American Pharoah and Justify have won all three races.
Additional Facts
- Golden Tempo recorded a 95 Beyer Speed Figure in the Kentucky Derby, the lowest for a Derby winner since the metric gained widespread use in the 1990s.
- The horse’s racing schedule prior to the Derby included gaps of 28, 25, 35, and 42 days between starts.
- The Preakness will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock, with post time scheduled for 7:01 p.m. EDT.