Golden Tempo skips Preakness Stakes

The pursuit of a Triple Crown has ended for 2026 as Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will officially skip the Preakness Stakes.

Trainer Cherie DeVaux announced that the horse requires additional recovery time following its grueling victory at Churchill Downs and will instead be prepared for the Belmont Stakes on June 6.

Golden Tempo's absence marks the third time in five years that a Derby winner has bypassed the second leg of the historic series.

The decision has disappointed racing fans but was defended by the horse's owners as a necessary step for its long-term health and competitive future.