Golden Tempo, the 23-1 longshot winner of the Kentucky Derby, will not run in the Preakness Stakes. Trainer Cherie DeVaux announced Wednesday that the decision was made with the horse's long-term health and happiness as the top priority. The colt will instead target the Belmont Stakes on June 6.
DeVaux, the first woman to train a Derby winner, said the team wants to give Golden Tempo more time after his tremendous effort. This marks the third Kentucky Derby winner in the last five years to skip the Preakness. The short two-week turnaround between the races is a key factor.
None of the 18 horses who ran in the Derby are expected at Laurel Park for the Preakness. Jockey Jose L. Ortiz, winning his first Derby on his 11th attempt, celebrated the emotional victory. The last Triple Crown winner was Justify in 2018.