The dream of a Triple Crown champion in 2025 has been dashed. Golden Tempo, the electrifying 3-year-old thoroughbred who captured the Kentucky Derby with a stunning come-from-behind victory, will not compete in the Preakness Stakes on May 16.

Trainer Cherie DeVaux announced the decision on social media, explaining that the "best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time following such a tremendous effort." DeVaux, who made history as the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, added, "Golden gave us the race of a lifetime. His health, happiness, and long-term future will always remain our top priority."

Instead of chasing the Triple Crown, Golden Tempo will be pointed toward the Belmont Stakes on June 6, giving him extra time to recover from his grueling Derby performance. This marks the third time in the last five years that a Kentucky Derby winner has skipped the Preakness, and the eighth consecutive year without a Triple Crown hopeful.

The decision has reignited a familiar debate among racing fans: Is the current Triple Crown schedule—with its tight three-week turnaround—truly best for the sport? The Maryland Jockey Club recently told The Baltimore Sun that they're "open to all possibilities" regarding a potential date change for the Preakness, as they search for a new TV partner. A decision on that front is expected later this month.

This year's Preakness weekend already faces a historic twist. For the first time since 1908, the races will not be held at Pimlico Race Course. Instead, they'll take place at Laurel Park while "Old Hilltop" undergoes a massive $400-million-plus renovation. Racing officials are hopeful for a return to Baltimore by 2027.