Golden Tempo ridden by Jose L. Ortiz wins the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Laurel, Md.
Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will not run in the Preakness Stakes.
This year’s Derby champion will skip the second jewel of the Triple Crown to get some more rest after producing such an effort, according to his trainer, Cherie DeVaux.
“After much thoughtful discussion as a team, we have decided that Golden Tempo will bypass the Preakness Stakes,” his racing team shared on Wednesday.
DeVaux’s stable acknowledged the widespread excitement surrounding a potential Triple Crown run and thanked racing fans for their support, but ultimately, said Golden Tempo’s health and future remain top priority for the team.
“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,” Cherie DeVaux Racing said. “His health, happiness, and long-term future will always remain our top priority.”
According to the team, Golden Tempo is still planning to make another appearance in the Triple Crown series of races and is being pointed toward the Belmont Stakes.
“We are looking forward to the Belmont Stakes and are excited for what lies ahead with this very special horse,” DeVaux’s team said.
Golden Tempo came from last to finish first in Saturday’s 152nd running of the Derby, making DeVaux the first woman trainer to take the prestigious event.
The Preakness Stakes is scheduled to take place at Laurel Park on May 16, followed by the Belmont Stakes, which is slated for June 6 at Saratoga Race Course in New York.