Kentucky Derby champion Golden Tempo will not compete in the upcoming Preakness Stakes, as announced by trainer Cherie DeVaux. The decision was made to focus on the Belmont Stakes scheduled for June 6 at Saratoga Race Course, following a significant win at the Derby, where Golden Tempo triumphed as a long shot. DeVaux emphasized the importance of the horse’s health and well-being over the potential Triple Crown pursuit. This marks the third Derby winner in five years to skip the Preakness, reflecting a broader trend where trainers opt for longer recovery times between races. The Preakness Stakes will occur at Laurel Park this year due to renovations at its traditional venue, Pimlico Race Course.
Why It Matters
This decision highlights the changing dynamics of horse racing, particularly regarding the Triple Crown series. In recent years, many Derby winners have opted out of the Preakness, which raises questions about the traditional two-week interval between these major races. The Preakness has seen no Derby participants this year, and this trend continues a pattern where only two horses, American Pharoah and Justify, have achieved the Triple Crown in the past four decades. Additionally, Maryland racing officials are considering adjustments to the Preakness schedule to increase participation from Derby contenders, illustrating the challenges faced by the sport in maintaining its historical significance.
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