Derby Winner Golden Tempo To Skip Preakness: Here’s Why

on May 07, 2026

Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo (Photo by Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Golden Tempo Wins The Kentucky Derby, Makes History

The 152nd Kentucky Derby took over Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2nd. The annual event draws approximately 150,000 attendees and is broadcast live to millions.

Known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” the one-and-a-quarter-mile race is surrounded by tradition, pageantry, and musical performances. It began in 1875 and is the longest-running sporting event in the United States.

At this year’s race, Golden Tempo, a thoroughbred racehorse bred by Phipps Stable, came from behind to achieve an epic win. With 23-1 odds, he was considered a long shot, with roughly a 4% chance of winning. Golden Tempo’s final race time was 2:02.27.

With the victory, Golden Tempo’s trainer, Cherie DeVaux, became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby. She told ESPN:

“It really is an honor to be able to be that person for other women or other little girls to look up to. You can dream big, and you can pivot. You can come from one place and make yourself a part of history.”

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Why Golden Tempo Will Not Chase The Triple Crown

After winning the Kentucky Derby, many teams will pursue the most prestigious achievement in horse racing: the Triple Crown. This is accomplished by capturing the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes in the same year.

Because the races are limited to 3-year-old Thoroughbreds only, each horse gets only one chance in its lifetime to win the Triple Crown. Despite their Derby success, DeVaux has revealed that Golden Tempo will not race at the Preakness. Therefore, he will not attempt the Triple Crown.

The Preakness Stakes is held annually on the third Saturday in May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, just two weeks after the Kentucky Derby. DeVaux shared that the decision was made out of precaution for the horse’s health. She wrote in an official statement:

“Golden gave us the race of a lifetime in the Kentucky Derby, and we believe the best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time following such a tremendous effort. His health, happiness, and long-term future will always remain our top priority.”

The trainer expressed gratitude for the support and “enthusiasm from racing fans, our owners, and our entire team.” She added that they will aim to race at the Belmont Stakes.

Read the official statement regarding Golden Tempo’s bypassing of the Preakness Stakes below.