The field races past the twin spires at Churchill Downs for the 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 2, 2026 | Michael Clevenger and O'Neil Arnold/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesWhen Golden Tempo took the victory at the Kentucky Derby, the win made history as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the storied race.But that history will not extend to the Preakness.Citing Golden Tempos health, DeVaux announced on social media that the team will bypass the Preakness Stakes. 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, wrote DeVaux on social media. His health, happiness, and long-term future will always remain our top priority.DeVaux indicated that the team is pointing Golden Tempo toward the Belmont Stakes.You can see the entire message here:Preakness announcement pic.twitter.com/8JQu7VZlRC Cherie DeVaux (@reredevaux) May 6, 2026The decision continues a recent trend of Kentucky Derby winners skipping the Preakness. Golden Tempo is now the fourth Kentucky Derby winning horse to skip the Preakness joining Mandaloun (2021), Rich Strike (2022) and Sovereignty last year. And the decision is the latest bit of evidence that the schedule needs to be changed.For years, trainers and analysts alike have argued that the two-week turnaround between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness was simply too short for the horses. After Sovereigntys win a year ago Michael Banahan, a member of the ownership team, said this:He ran really hard today. And especially when you get a closer from off the pace like that, they have to lay their body on the line a little bit. If he responds well, maybe we look at that, you know? But I dont want to jump in straightaway. Well enjoy today. Today was the goal.And trainer Bill Mott laid the groundwork as well, saying this after Sovereignity won the Kentucky Derby: We want to do whats best for the horse, Mott told reporters. Of course, you always think about a Triple Crown, and thats not something were not going to think about.After skipping the Preakness, Sovereignty went on to win the Belmont Stakes. Even with a potential Triple Crown off the table, Mott stood by the decision.Tom Rinaldi catches up with Sovereignty's trainer Bill Mott after winning the Belmont Stakes! pic.twitter.com/P1EoOqzhfr FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 7, 2025Now we will see if Golden Tempo can match that feat.And if the schedule gets changed in the future.