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Golden Tempo is not competing in the Preakness Stakes after winning the Kentucky Derby, and trainer Cherie DeVaux said they are focusing on the big picture.
DeVaux, 44, told PK Press Club Digital in a recent interview that most reactions to Golden Tempo not participating and missing a chance at the Triple Crown have been positive. She called criticism of the decision to suspend Golden Tempo unfair.
“It’s been a mix of both, mostly positive. Which I appreciate, and I understand that fans of the sport or fans of the Triple Crown are disappointed, but the horse is not a machine,” DeVaux said.
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Trainer Cherie DeVaux stands in front of a barn after a training session at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on April 27, 2026. (Charlie Riedel/AP Photo)
“I have to advocate as a trainer to owners or clients, and we had a conversation, it wasn’t my decision. It was a decision we made as a group and I’m sorry if people don’t understand what’s going on. ‘Why run the Derby if you’re not going to run the Triple Crown?’ Well, I think that’s unfair. We don’t commit to that and they’re horses, like animals, and they’re not just a car that you can go out and race them in two weeks. That’s not how it works, and unfortunately, if you don’t understand, I can’t help you. »
DeVaux said she honored the tradition of the Triple Crown, but they didn’t want to push Golden Tempo too hard. The Saratoga Springs, New York, native called the decision a difficult one.
“It’s hard, I understand where other people are coming from, but I think it’s unfair the way I’ve received certain messages and what they’re saying, but regardless, they’re not in my position to train the horse and so their opinion doesn’t matter to me,” DeVaux said.
CHERIE DEVAUX REFLECTS ON THE HISTORY OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY AS THE FIRST FEMALE TRAINER TO WIN THE RACE
Cherie DeVaux, trainer of Golden Tempo, celebrates with the trophy in the winner’s circle after the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on May 2, 2026. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
It took them a few days for everything to calm down before making a decision on Golden Tempo’s participation in the Triple Crown second leg. DeVaux said the horse is doing well health-wise.
“We tried to let the dust settle all weekend, and Golden Tempo is good. But we think it takes a unique horse to be able to come back and race in two weeks. And we just didn’t feel like for him, that was the thing responsible for his entire career, especially this year. We’re focused on a bigger picture than the Triple Crown,” DeVaux said.
“Even though the Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown, I’m still biased that you can focus on the Triple Crown or the year because it takes so much away from them. And we were talking. We decided it was in his best interest to focus on the year, not just come back in two weeks and then come back in three weeks.”
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Cherie DeVaux celebrates after becoming the first trainer to win the Kentucky Derby during the 152nd running at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on May 2, 2026. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
DeVaux said the goal is for Golden Tempo to be held at the Belmont. She also noted that this year’s Triple Crown is different from previous years.
“No, that’s definitely our next goal and we’re moving toward that,” DeVaux said. “Saratoga is awesome. My family lives there, but I was really looking forward to running a mile for him, you know, the circumstances are different.”
“We run the Preakness at Laurel. We run the Belmont at Saratoga at a different distance. So, you know, it’s not the true Triple Crown layout that’s been historic the last two years.”
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Trainer Cherie DeVaux kisses the trophy after Golden Tempo won the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on May 2, 2026. (Abbie Parr/AP Photo)
The Preakness Stakes is traditionally run at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, but is being held at Laurel Park due to renovations. The Belmont Stakes is normally held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, but is being held at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, due to renovations.
The Kentucky Derby was still held at Churchill Downs this year. DeVaux made history at Louisville by becoming the first trainer to have a horse win the Kentucky Derby.
