The Kentucky Derby may have delivered a storybook ending, but the next chapter for champion Golden Tempo won't include the Preakness Stakes. Trainer Cherie DeVaux announced Wednesday that the chestnut colt—who just four days ago electrified fans with a stunning last-to-first victory—will skip the second leg of the Triple Crown on May 16.

In a heartfelt statement posted on X, DeVaux explained the decision: "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. His health, happiness and long-term future will always remain our top priority."

Instead, Golden Tempo will be pointed toward the Belmont Stakes on June 6 at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.—a fitting destination, as DeVaux was born there. The move comes despite the trainer's earlier comments on the At the Races with Steve Byk radio show that the colt was "feeling himself" after returning to the track with "a lot more pep in his step than normal."

Golden Tempo's victory made history, as DeVaux became the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner. But the decision to bypass the Preakness continues a troubling trend for the middle jewel of the Triple Crown. This marks the second straight year—and the third time in five years—that a healthy Derby winner's connections have opted for the Belmont instead. Rich Strike followed this path in 2022, finishing sixth in the Belmont and never winning again. Last year, Sovereignty made the same choice and went on to capture the Belmont, Jim Dandy, and Travers en route to Horse of the Year honors.

The Preakness has seen fewer Derby horses in recent years, largely due to modern training methods that require more than two weeks' rest between races. Golden Tempo's absence will likely reignite calls to restructure the Triple Crown schedule—currently two weeks between the Derby and Preakness, then three weeks before the Belmont—to encourage more elite horses to compete in all three legs. For now, fans will have to wait until June to see if Golden Tempo can add another chapter to his already remarkable story.