The Triple Crown’s Uncertain Future: Why Golden Tempo’s Decision Matters
When I first heard that Golden Tempo, the Kentucky Derby winner, would skip the Preakness Stakes, my initial reaction was one of mild surprise. But as I dug deeper, I realized this decision is far more than a scheduling quirk—it’s a reflection of broader shifts in horse racing, and perhaps even a commentary on the sport’s priorities. Let’s unpack this.
The Triple Crown: A Dream or a Relic?
The Triple Crown—the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes—has long been the pinnacle of horse racing. But in recent years, it’s begun to feel less like a dream and more like a relic. Golden Tempo’s trainer, Cherie DeVaux, cited the horse’s health and long-term future as the primary reasons for skipping the Preakness. Personally, I think this is a smart move. The Triple Crown is grueling, and the pressure to compete in all three races within a few weeks can be immense. What many people don’t realize is that horses like Golden Tempo are athletes, not machines. Their well-being should always come first.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the trend we’re seeing. Golden Tempo is the second consecutive Derby winner to skip the Preakness. Last year’s winner, Sovereignty, did the same and went on to win the Belmont. This raises a deeper question: Is the Triple Crown losing its luster? Or are trainers and owners simply becoming more pragmatic about their horses’ careers?
Cherie DeVaux’s Historic Role
One thing that immediately stands out is DeVaux’s role in all of this. As the first woman to train a Derby winner, she’s already made history. Her decision to prioritize Golden Tempo’s health over the Triple Crown chase feels emblematic of a new era in horse racing—one that values sustainability over spectacle. From my perspective, this is a welcome shift. For too long, the sport has been criticized for its treatment of horses. DeVaux’s approach suggests a more thoughtful, humane direction.
The Preakness: A Race in Transition
The Preakness itself is undergoing changes. This year, it’s being held at Maryland’s Laurel Park while Pimlico Race Course is redeveloped. The race is also set to feature up to 14 horses, a number not seen since 2011. With Golden Tempo out of the picture, there’s now room for 15 contenders. This feels like a missed opportunity for the Preakness to reclaim some of its former glory, but it also highlights the race’s vulnerability. Without the Derby winner, does the Preakness lose some of its prestige?
In my opinion, the Preakness has always been the middle child of the Triple Crown—not as iconic as the Derby, not as dramatic as the Belmont. Golden Tempo’s absence might just underscore that point. But it also opens the door for other horses to shine. If you take a step back and think about it, this could be a chance for the Preakness to redefine itself, to prove it’s more than just a stepping stone.
The Bigger Picture: Horse Racing’s Identity Crisis
What this really suggests is that horse racing is at a crossroads. The sport is grappling with declining popularity, ethical concerns, and a shifting cultural landscape. The Triple Crown, once its crown jewel, now feels like a relic of a bygone era. Personally, I think this is an opportunity for reinvention. The sport needs to modernize, to prioritize transparency, animal welfare, and sustainability.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how the Triple Crown’s decline mirrors broader trends in sports. Fans today are more critical, more informed, and more demanding. They want to see athletes—human or equine—treated with respect. The fact that trainers like DeVaux are making decisions based on their horses’ well-being is a step in the right direction.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Golden Tempo?
DeVaux’s stable has hinted that Golden Tempo could race at the Belmont next month. If that happens, it’ll be fascinating to see how he performs after this extended break. One thing’s for sure: his story is far from over. But what’s more intriguing to me is what his story represents. Golden Tempo isn’t just a horse—he’s a symbol of a sport in transition, a reminder that greatness isn’t just about winning races, but about how you win them.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on Golden Tempo’s decision, I’m struck by how much it says about the state of horse racing. It’s a sport that’s both timeless and in flux, grappling with its past while trying to chart a course for the future. Personally, I’m hopeful. If trainers, owners, and fans can embrace a more ethical, sustainable approach, horse racing might just find its second wind.
What many people don’t realize is that the Triple Crown isn’t just about three races—it’s about the stories we tell, the values we uphold, and the legacy we leave behind. Golden Tempo’s decision to skip the Preakness might seem like a small moment, but it’s part of a much larger narrative. And that, in my opinion, is what makes it so compelling.
