Golden Tempo to skip Preakness Stakes, ending Triple Crown bid as trainer cites long-term health

There will beryllium nary Triple Crown anticipation for Golden Tempo, nan longshot equine that won nan Kentucky Derby past week.

Trainer Cherie DeVaux announced Wednesday that nan owners and she decided it was champion for nan equine to skip nan Preakness Stakes, nan adjacent limb of nan Triple Crown, pinch sights group connected nan Belmont Stakes alternatively connected June 6.

"We are incredibly admit of nan excitement and support surrounding nan anticipation of a Triple Crown run," DeVaux, who became nan first female to train a Derby-winning horse, wrote successful a statement. "Golden gave america nan title of a life successful nan Kentucky Derby, and we judge nan champion determination for him moving guardant is to springiness him a small much clip pursuing specified a tremendous effort. His health, happiness and semipermanent early will ever stay our apical priority."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Golden Tempo, ridden by Jose L. Ortiz, wins nan 152nd Kentucky Derby astatine Churchill Downs successful Louisville, Ky., connected May 2, 2026. (Jeff Roberson/AP)

It’s not uncommon for nan Kentucky Derby victor to forgo nan Preakness, which is group for May 16 astatine Laurel Park successful Maryland. Golden Tempo marks nan 3rd Kentucky Derby victor successful nan past 5 years to skip nan Preakness.

Last year’s winner, Sovereignty, was fixed nan other remainder pinch Belmont successful nan sights of trainer Bill Mott and Godolphin Racing instead.

KENTUCKY DERBY WINNER SOVEREIGNTY SKIPPING PREAKNESS, TRAINER SAYS: 'WHAT'S BEST FOR THE HORSE'

One of nan main reasons down that is nan short timetable betwixt nan Derby and Preakness, arsenic trainers and owners alike don’t want to push their prized equine pinch nan two-week turnaround. While it’s been heavy debated, it hasn’t changed arsenic racing teams support their horses training alternatively of competing.

The past Triple Crown victor was Justify successful 2018, pinch American Pharoah earlier him successful 2015.

Jockey Jose Ortiz of Golden Tempo celebrates successful nan winner's circle aft winning nan 152nd Kentucky Derby astatine Churchill Downs successful Louisville, Ky., connected May 2, 2026. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

It’s besides worthy noting that nary of nan 18 horses who ran successful nan Kentucky Derby will beryllium astatine Laurel Park for nan Preakness. Golden Tempo was nan only equine considered for nan 2nd limb of nan Triple Crown, but nan squad has made their intentions known.

Golden Tempo has created rather nan communicative since nan 23-1 longshot rallied down nan last agelong successful nan 1 1/4-mile title to victory.

The 3-year-old bay thoroughbred colt sent DeVaux and nan remainder of nan owner’s container into a raucous matter arsenic 1 tin surely understand.

Jockey Jose L. Ortiz celebrates aft riding Golden Tempo to triumph successful nan 152nd Kentucky Derby astatine Churchill Downs successful Louisville, Ky., connected May 2, 2026. (Abbie Parr/AP)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"I don't moreover person immoderate words correct now," an affectional DeVaux said connected nan NBC broadcast aft upsetting nan title to flooded early favourite Renegade. 

Jockey Jose Ortiz won nan Derby for nan first clip successful his career. It was his 11th attempt, and he hit retired his relative Irad, who rode nan Todd Pletcher-trained colt.  

Fox News' Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports sum connected X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.