Triple Crown Hopes Dashed: Kentucky Derby Winner Golden Tempo to Skip 2026 Preakness Stakes

LOUISVILLE, KY — The 2026 Triple Crown quest has come to an early conclusion. Just days after a spectacular victory at Churchill Downs, the connections of Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo announced on Wednesday that the colt will not compete in next week’s Preakness Stakes.

Trainer Cherie DeVaux confirmed the decision, explaining that the two-week turnaround is too taxing for the horse following his high-intensity performance in Louisville. "The horse just ran the race of his life," DeVaux told CNN Sports. "Asking him to race again, we just want to give him the best opportunity for the best outcome."

A Trend of Skipping the Second Leg

Golden Tempo's absence marks the sixth time since 2018—the year Justify last swept the Triple Crown—that the Derby winner has bypassed the Baltimore-based race. In recent years, trainers have increasingly prioritized rest over the tradition of the three-race series.

History shows a growing list of Derby winners who opted out of the Preakness:

• 2025: Sovereignty (Trainer Bill Mott)

• 2022: Rich Strike (Longshot winner)

• 2019: Country House (Following the disqualification of Maximum Security)

The decision to withhold Golden Tempo is expected to fuel ongoing debates regarding the Triple Crown calendar. For 70 years, the Preakness has followed the Derby by only 14 days, a schedule that many modern trainers argue does not align with current thoroughbred recovery standards.

Focus Shifts to Saratoga

Instead of heading to Laurel Park (where the Preakness is being held in 2026 due to Pimlico renovations), Golden Tempo will be pointed toward the Belmont Stakes in June. This year's "Test of the Champion" is particularly significant for DeVaux, as it will be held at Saratoga Race Course for the third consecutive year while Belmont Park continues its massive renovation project.

The move to Saratoga represents a homecoming for DeVaux, who grew up in Saratoga Springs. Due to the track's configuration, the 2026 Belmont will be run at 1.25 miles—the same distance as the Kentucky Derby—rather than its traditional 1.5-mile "marathon" distance.

Economic and Media Implications

The absence of a Triple Crown contender is a significant blow to the Preakness's television draw. Last year, viewership for the second leg dropped by 16% when the Derby winner was absent.

The future of the race's broadcast and scheduling is currently at a crossroads. While NBC currently holds the rights to the Derby and Fox holds the Belmont, the media rights for the Preakness are up for negotiation this year. Industry experts believe the winner of those rights may ultimately force a change to the traditional calendar to ensure the sport's biggest stars remain in the spotlight for all three races.

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