Golden Tempo staged a dramatic comeback to steal the 152nd Kentucky Derby, but it won't be going for the Triple Crown.
Golden Tempo will skip the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, on May 16, but could still run in the Belmont Stakes on June 6, trainer Cherie DeVaux announced Wednesday.
It marks the third time in the last five years that the Derby winner has skipped the Preakness, and ensures that there will be no Triple Crown winner for the eighth consecutive year.
"We are incredibly appreciative of the excitement and support surrounding a possibility of a Triple Crown run," wrote DeVaux, the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby.
"...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.
"We are looking forward to pointing him toward the Belmont Stakes and are excited for what lies ahead with this very special horse. Thank you again to everyone who has supported and believed in this journey alongside us."
One day earlier, DeVaux told reporters in Kentucky that she was watching Golden Tempo's energy level and movement during light jogging.
"I appreciate that there is history with the Triple Crown, I appreciate that everyone's excited about it; however, the horse comes first," DeVaux said Tuesday.
Derby winners in 2022, Rich Strike, and 2025, Sovereignty, also skipped the Preakness.
