The dream of a Triple Crown in 2026 has come to an end as Golden Tempo will not participate in the Preakness Stakes

A full field is expected for the second leg of the Triple Crown; the Kentucky Derby winner would be confirmed or not over the weekend

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).— The dream of a new Triple Crown winner will have to wait at least one more year. In a decision that prioritizes the health and long-term future of the horse, trainer Cherie DeVauxconfirmed that the brand-new Kentucky Derby (G1) winner, Golden Tempo, will not be part of the Preakness Stakes(G1) on May 16 at Laurel Park.

After closely monitoring the defender of Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable at his Keeneland base, DeVaux opted to skip the second gem of the series to aim directly at the Belmont Stakes (G1), which this year will exceptionally be held at Saratoga on June 6. With this withdrawal, Golden Tempo joins Rich Strike (Keen Ice, 2022) and Sovereignty (Into Mischief, 2025) as Derby winners who, while healthy, declined to go for the crown in Maryland.

"We believe the best decision for him is to give him a little more time after such a tremendous effort," the trainer expressed through her social media. "His health, happiness, and long-term future will always be our number one priority".

The absence of the son of Curlin reignites the debate over the Triple Crown schedule, a traditionalist structure that many modern trainers consider too demanding due to the short two-week margin between the first two gems. Without the leader of the generation, the 151st Preakness continues to shape up with a large field but lacking that "star" that magnetizes the attention of the general public.

Among the 13 names still under consideration for the 1900 meters at Laurel Park, the following stand out: Chip Honcho(Connect), Crude Velocity (Beau Liam), Napoleon Solo (Liam's Map), Great White (Volatile), and Silent Tactic(Tacitus).

For the fans who expected to see Golden Tempo's electric finish once again, the appointment will be at historic Saratoga. This year's Belmont Stakes will have the distinction of being contested over 2000 meters (instead of the traditional 2400) due to the dimensions of the Saratoga track, which could further favor the aptitudes of the maternal grandson of Medaglia d'Oro.

Meanwhile, Laurel Park prepares to host an unusual edition of the Preakness, marked by the reconstruction of Pimlicoand the absence of the horse that captured the imagination of all Kentucky. The throne is vacant, and on May 16, there will be a new name in the history of the American crowns.