Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo to skip Preakness, trainer Cherie DeVaux targets Belmont Stakes
Cherie DeVaux, trainer of 2026 Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo, confirmed the horse will not run in the Preakness Stakes on May 16, 2026, at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland. The decision prioritizes the horse’s career beyond the immediate Triple Crown pursuit.[1][2]
The 152nd Kentucky Derby took place on May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, where DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the race.[1][3] DeVaux, 44, a native of Saratoga Springs, New York, said the choice was made collectively with owners after post-race evaluation.[1][4]
“Golden Tempo is fine” health-wise, DeVaux told Fox News Digital. She described most public reactions as positive but called some criticism unfair, adding, “The horse is not a machine.”[1]
DeVaux emphasized a focus on the full racing year rather than the compressed Triple Crown schedule, which requires returns in two and five weeks. “We decided that it was his best interest to focus on the year,” she said.[1]
The team plans to target the Belmont Stakes on June 6, 2026, at Saratoga Race Course, running 1¼ miles on the Travers Stakes course rather than the traditional 1½ miles at Belmont Park.[1][5][6]
This year’s Triple Crown features relocated venues due to renovations: Preakness at Laurel Park through at least 2026 while Pimlico is redeveloped, and Belmont at Saratoga through 2026.[2][5][7]
- Kentucky Derby: May 2, 2026, Churchill Downs (1¼ miles) – Won by Golden Tempo (DeVaux, first female trainer winner).[1][3]
- Preakness Stakes: May 16, 2026, Laurel Park (1 3/16 miles) – Golden Tempo not entered.[1][2]
- Belmont Stakes: June 6, 2026, Saratoga Race Course (1¼ miles) – Planned target for Golden Tempo.[1][5]
Sources
- Fox News Digital
Golden Tempo trainer Cherie DeVaux talks to Fox News Digital about the reaction to withdrawing Golden Tempo from the Preakness Stakes
May 2026
https://www.foxnews.com/sports - BloodHorse
Laurel Park to Host Preakness Through At Least 2026
December 19, 2023
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/267943/laurel-park-to-host-preakness-through-at-least-2026 - KentuckyDerby.com (Churchill Downs Incorporated)
2026 Kentucky Derby
Accessed October 2024
https://www.kentuckyderby.com/ - Wikipedia
Cherie DeVaux
Accessed October 2024
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherie_DeVaux - Thoroughbred Daily News
Belmont Renovation Delayed; Saratoga To Host In 2025 & 2026
May 16, 2024
https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/belmont-renovation-delayed-saratoga-to-host-stakes-in-2025-and-2026/
