Golden Tempo, the winner of the 2026 Kentucky Derby, will skip the Preakness Stakes and end its bid for the Triple Crown [1].
The decision highlights a growing tension in horse racing between the prestige of the Triple Crown and the physical welfare of elite athletes. As trainers increasingly prioritize long-term health over a grueling three-race series, the viability of the historic pursuit is facing renewed scrutiny.
Trainer Cherie DeVaux said the decision on Wednesday, May 8 [2]. She said concerns for the long-term health of Golden Tempo were the primary reason for withdrawing from the race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland [1, 4].
Golden Tempo entered the spotlight after winning the Kentucky Derby at odds of 23-1 [1]. Despite the victory, the demanding nature of the Triple Crown schedule is increasingly viewed by industry experts as too risky for top horses [4, 6].
Golden Tempo is not the only high-profile horse avoiding the second leg of the series. Crude Velocity, who was considered the presumed favorite for the Preakness, also skipped the race [7].
This trend of top contenders opting out of the Preakness suggests a shift in how owners and trainers manage their stables. The risk of injury during the short window between the Derby and the Preakness often outweighs the potential glory of a sweep, a reality that continues to reshape the landscape of U.S. racing [5, 6].
“Golden Tempo will skip the Preakness Stakes, ending its bid for the Triple Crown.”
The withdrawal of both the Kentucky Derby winner and a presumed favorite like Crude Velocity signals a potential crisis for the Triple Crown's prestige. When the best horses in the world avoid the series to preserve their health, the competition loses its primary draw, potentially forcing racing authorities to reconsider the timing or structure of the events to ensure athlete safety and maintain spectator interest.
