Derby Winner Golden Tempo Skips Preakness for Health

Sometimes the biggest victories come from knowing when to rest instead of race.

Golden Tempo stunned the racing world as a 23-1 longshot winner at the Kentucky Derby last week. But trainer Cherie DeVaux announced Wednesday that the beloved horse will skip the May 16 Preakness Stakes to focus on his long-term health.

"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," DeVaux wrote in her statement. "His health, happiness and long-term future will always remain our top priority."

DeVaux made history herself as the first woman to train a Derby-winning horse. Now she's setting another example by putting her horse first over the chance at Triple Crown glory.

The decision isn't unusual in modern racing. Golden Tempo is the third Kentucky Derby winner in five years to skip the Preakness, with last year's champion Sovereignty doing the same. The two-week turnaround between races has many trainers rethinking what's best for their horses.

Instead, Golden Tempo will get extra recovery time before attempting the Belmont Stakes on June 6. The additional rest could give the 3-year-old colt a better chance at long-term success rather than rushing through a grueling schedule.

Why This Inspires

In a sport often criticized for pushing horses too hard, DeVaux's choice shows that winning doesn't have to come at any cost. She's protecting the horse that gave her the thrill of a lifetime, even if it means giving up a shot at the Triple Crown.

Jockey Jose Ortiz, who won his first Derby after 11 attempts riding Golden Tempo, still gets to celebrate that incredible victory. The team's emotional celebration in the winner's circle after their underdog triumph remains intact.

The racing community is increasingly embracing this approach, recognizing that horses perform better when given proper rest and care. No Triple Crown winner has emerged since 2018, partly because trainers now prioritize horse welfare over historic achievements.

Golden Tempo's story already inspired millions as the longshot who defied the odds. Now his team is showing that true champions know when to pause and recover.