The Triple Crown’s Uncertain Future: Why Golden Tempo’s Absence from the Preakness Matters
When I first heard that Golden Tempo, the Kentucky Derby winner, wouldn’t be running in the Preakness Stakes, my initial reaction was a mix of disappointment and curiosity. Disappointment because, as a racing enthusiast, I’ve always relished the drama of a potential Triple Crown contender. Curiosity because this decision feels like another chapter in the evolving—and perhaps unraveling—story of horse racing’s most prestigious trilogy.
The Triple Crown’s Modern Dilemma
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, but it’s also a symptom of a larger issue. The two-week gap between the Derby and the Preakness has become a nonstarter for many trainers and owners. Modern thoroughbreds are treated more like elite athletes, with rest and recovery prioritized over back-to-back races. What many people don’t realize is that this shift isn’t just about protecting the horses—it’s also about protecting investments. A horse like Golden Tempo isn’t just a competitor; he’s a multimillion-dollar asset.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how it reflects the changing priorities in the sport. The Triple Crown was once the ultimate test of a horse’s endurance and versatility. Now, it feels more like a relic of a bygone era. Only two horses—American Pharoah and Justify—have completed the feat in the last four decades. If you take a step back and think about it, the Triple Crown might be becoming less about the horses and more about the nostalgia of those who watch them.
The Preakness’s Identity Crisis
The Preakness itself is in a strange place right now. This year, none of the 18 horses that ran in the Derby are heading to Baltimore. That’s unprecedented. The race is also being held at Laurel Park while Pimlico Race Course undergoes a massive renovation. It’s almost as if the Preakness is losing its identity—both literally and metaphorically.
From my perspective, the Preakness has always been the middle child of the Triple Crown: not as glamorous as the Derby, not as grueling as the Belmont. But its charm lies in its unpredictability. Without Derby contenders, it risks becoming just another race. Maryland officials are considering moving the Preakness to the fourth Saturday in May to give horses more recovery time. While this might seem like a practical solution, I can’t help but wonder if it’s too little, too late. The Triple Crown’s magic has always been its timing and tradition. Mess with that, and you risk losing what makes it special.
DeVaux’s Bold Move and Its Broader Implications
Cherie DeVaux’s decision to skip the Preakness and focus on the Belmont is bold, especially given her ties to Saratoga Springs, where the Belmont will be held this year. One thing that immediately stands out is how this mirrors last year’s strategy with Sovereignty, who bypassed the Preakness and went on to win the Belmont and the Travers Stakes. This raises a deeper question: Are we seeing a new blueprint for success in horse racing?
In my opinion, DeVaux’s move isn’t just about Golden Tempo’s health—it’s a statement about the future of the sport. By prioritizing long-term success over short-term glory, she’s challenging the traditional Triple Crown narrative. What this really suggests is that the Triple Crown might need to evolve or risk becoming irrelevant.
The Psychological Shift in Horse Racing
What’s often overlooked in these discussions is the psychological aspect. Trainers and owners are no longer willing to gamble with their horses’ well-being for the sake of tradition. This isn’t just about physical recovery; it’s about the mental toll of back-to-back races. A detail that I find especially interesting is how this mirrors broader cultural shifts toward mindfulness and sustainability—even in a sport as traditional as horse racing.
If you think about it, the Triple Crown’s decline isn’t just about logistics or money; it’s about changing values. The sport is at a crossroads, and decisions like DeVaux’s are forcing us to confront what horse racing should look like in the 21st century.
Conclusion: A Sport in Transition
Golden Tempo’s absence from the Preakness isn’t just a missed opportunity for fans—it’s a wake-up call for the entire industry. The Triple Crown, as we know it, might be on its way out. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Personally, I think this could be the catalyst for a much-needed reinvention.
What many people don’t realize is that horse racing has always been a reflection of the times. In its heyday, it was a sport of kings and gamblers. Now, it’s a sport of strategists and caretakers. The question is: Can it adapt without losing its soul?
As I watch the Preakness this year, I’ll be thinking less about the horses on the track and more about the decisions being made behind the scenes. Because those decisions—not the races themselves—might determine the future of this storied sport.
