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Golden Tempo is not racing in the Preakness Stakes after winning the Kentucky Derby, and trainer Cherie DeVaux said they are focused on the bigger picture.
DeVaux, 44, told Pak Gazette Digital in a recent interview that most of the reaction to Golden Tempo’s non-participation and loss of a shot at the Triple Crown has been positive. She called criticism of the decision to rest Golden Tempo unfair.
“It’s been a mix of both, mostly positive. Which I appreciate, and I understand if fans of the sport or Triple Crown fans are disappointed, but the horse is not a machine,” DeVaux said.
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Trainer Cherie DeVaux stands outside a barn after working out at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, 2026. (Charlie Riedel/AP Photo)
“I have to advocate as a trainer to the owners or the 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 it entails. ‘Why do the Derby if you’re not going to compete for the Triple Crown?’ Well, I think that’s unfair. We don’t compromise on this and they are horses, like animals, and they are not just a car where you can go out and drive them in two weeks. “That’s not how it works, and unfortunately, if you don’t understand it, I can’t help you.”
DeVaux said they honor the tradition of the Triple Crown, but they don’t want to put too much pressure on Golden Tempo. The Saratoga Springs, New York, native called the decision difficult.
“It’s hard, I understand where others are coming from, but I think it’s unfair the way I’ve received some of the messages and what they’re saying, but whatever, they’re not in my position to train the horse and therefore their opinion doesn’t matter to me,” DeVaux said.
CHERIE DEVAUX REFLECTS ON MAKING KENTUCKY DERBY HISTORY AS THE FIRST FEMALE COACH TO WIN THE RACE
Golden Tempo’s trainer Cherie DeVaux 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 a few days to let everything calm down before making a decision on Golden Tempo’s participation in the Triple Crown return. DeVaux said the horse is in good health.
“We tried to let the dust settle all weekend, and Golden Tempo is fine. 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 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 always biased, where you can focus on the Triple Crown or you can focus on the year because it takes a lot out of them. And we were talking. We decided it was best for him 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 perform at Belmont. He also noted that this year’s Triple Crown is different from previous years.
“No, that’s definitely our next goal and we’re aiming for that,” DeVaux said. “Saratoga is great. My family lives there, but I was actually looking forward to running the mile and a half with him, you know, it’s different circumstances.”
“We’re running the Preakness at Laurel. We’re running 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 held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, but will be held at Laurel Park due to renovations. The Belmont Stakes are normally held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, but are 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, becoming the first trainer to have a horse win the Kentucky Derby.
