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Kentucky Derby Winner Skips Preakness, Triple Crown Bid Off
26 days agoUS
Golden Tempo, the longshot winner of the Kentucky Derby, will not race in the Preakness Stakes, ending any chance of a Triple Crown bid in 2026. This marks the second consecutive year the Kentucky Derby winner has skipped the Preakness, continuing a recent trend. The 151st Preakness Stakes will still proceed with a 14-horse field at Laurel Park, a new venue while Pimlico Race Course undergoes renovations.
Key Insights
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Golden Tempo will skip the Preakness, focusing on the Belmont Stakes instead.
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Trainer Cherie DeVaux cites the horse’s long-term health and the short two-week turnaround as key factors.
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Only three horses from the Kentucky Derby will compete in the Preakness: Ocelli, Incredibolt and Robusta.
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The Preakness Stakes will be held at Laurel Park for the first time due to renovations at Pimlico Race Course.
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The trend of Derby winners skipping the Preakness has increased since 2019, raising questions about the Triple Crown schedule and horse breeding practices.
Why this matters: The absence of the Kentucky Derby winner impacts the prestige and excitement surrounding the Triple Crown. It also highlights concerns about the demanding schedule and the evolving priorities of trainers and owners.
In-Depth Analysis
Background
The Triple Crown is one of the most prestigious achievements in American horse racing. However, the recent trend of Kentucky Derby winners skipping the Preakness Stakes raises concerns about the future of this tradition. From 1997 to 2018, every Derby winner participated in the Preakness, but since 2019, this has become less common.
Reasons for Skipping the Preakness
Several factors contribute to this trend:
1.
Short Turnaround: The two-week interval between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness is often considered too short for horses to recover and perform at their best.
2.
Horse Health: Trainers prioritize the long-term health of their horses, and running in both races may be seen as detrimental.
3.
Venue Change: This year the Preakness is at Laurel Park, which may reduce the appeal for some trainers compared to the traditional Pimlico Race Course.
4.
Breeding Practices: Modern breeding practices may favor speed over stamina, making the Triple Crown races more challenging for some horses.
Horses to Watch
Despite Golden Tempo’s absence, the Preakness Stakes will feature a competitive field, including:
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Iron Honor: The morning-line favorite at 9-2.
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Taj Mahal: An undefeated local favorite.
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Chip Honcho: With Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Jose Ortiz.
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Ocelli: Finished third in the Kentucky Derby at 70-1 odds.
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Incredibolt: Finished sixth at the Kentucky Derby.
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Robusta: Finished 14th at the Kentucky Derby.
Impact on the Triple Crown
The absence of the Derby winner diminishes the allure of the Triple Crown. While some argue that it is still a significant achievement, others believe the schedule should be adjusted to accommodate the health and well-being of the horses.
FAQs
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Q: Why is Golden Tempo not running in the Preakness?
Trainer Cherie DeVaux cited the horse’s long-term health and the short two-week turnaround between races.
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Q: Where is the Preakness Stakes being held in 2026?
Laurel Park is hosting the Preakness Stakes in 2026 due to renovations at Pimlico Race Course.
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Q: How many horses from the Kentucky Derby are running in the Preakness?
Three horses: Ocelli, Incredibolt and Robusta.
Key Takeaways
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The trend of Kentucky Derby winners skipping the Preakness Stakes is becoming more common.
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This decision is often based on concerns about horse health and the demanding Triple Crown schedule.
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The Preakness Stakes will proceed with a competitive field, despite the absence of Golden Tempo.
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The future of the Triple Crown may depend on addressing the concerns of trainers and owners regarding the schedule and breeding practices.
Discussion
Do you think this trend of Derby winners skipping the Preakness will continue? What changes, if any, should be made to the Triple Crown schedule? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
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