The roses at Churchill Downs have barely wilted — and already, the entire horse racing world is asking one burning question: Will Golden Tempo line up at Laurel Park for the 2026 Preakness Stakes?
In one of the most stunning upsets in recent Derby history, Golden Tempo — a 23-1 longshot — charged from the back of the pack to claim the 152nd Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2. Even more historic: trainer Cherie DeVaux became the first woman in history to train a Kentucky Derby winner, etching her name permanently in the sport’s record books.
But with the Preakness just 13 days away, the sport is holding its breath waiting for one answer.
FROM LAST PLACE TO KENTUCKY DERBY GLORY, WHAT A RACE FOR GOLDEN TEMPO! 🐎 #KentuckyDerby
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 2, 2026
DeVaux’s Answer: “We’ll Let Him Decide”
When pressed by reporters moments after the historic victory, DeVaux did not commit. “We’re gonna let him decide that,” she said. “We’re gonna see how he looks tomorrow, and subsequently the next couple of days — we’re gonna have to allow him to tell us.” The answer, while cautious, was not a no. DeVaux’s priority is the horse’s health, and the Preakness — running just two weeks after the Derby — is a notoriously punishing turnaround.
DeVaux is also just the second female trainer to win any Triple Crown race, following Jena Antonucci’s 2023 Belmont Stakes victory with Arcangelo. The opportunity to become the first woman to chase a Triple Crown is enormous.
“I’m glad I can be representative of women everywhere. We can do anything we set our minds to.” – Cherie DeVaux 🏆 #KentuckyDerby2026
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 2, 2026
Why This Decision Is Harder Than Ever in 2026
The question of whether to run in the Preakness has never been more complicated. In 2025, trainer Bill Mott famously kept Sovereignty out of the Preakness entirely — then went on to win the Belmont Stakes. That decision sparked a debate in racing circles that has only intensified heading into 2026.
And this year, there’s an added wrinkle: the Preakness has moved. For the first time in the race’s 151-year history, it will not be held at the iconic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. Instead, due to a $400 million renovation project at Pimlico, the 2026 Preakness runs at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland. For trainers managing horses worth tens of millions in future breeding value, a new venue adds real risk to an already demanding decision.
🔑 Key Date: Official Preakness entries must be declared before May 11, 2026. Watch trainer statements closely in the days ahead — the decision could come as early as Monday.
Who Else Could Run if Golden Tempo Skips?
If DeVaux decides to rest Golden Tempo, the Preakness field opens dramatically. Horses already targeting Laurel Park include Iron Honor (trained by Chad Brown), Chip Honcho (Steve Asmussen), Taj Mahal (undefeated, trained by Brittany Russell), and Renegade — the 5-1 Derby runner-up who ran a massive race. Any of these fresh contenders could step in as the new favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Golden Tempo run in the Preakness Stakes 2026?
As of May 3, 2026, trainer Cherie DeVaux has not confirmed or denied Golden Tempo’s entry. She said the horse’s physical condition over the next few days will determine the decision. Official entries close May 11.
When is the 2026 Preakness Stakes?
The 151st Preakness Stakes takes place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland. Post time is approximately 6:45 PM ET.
Why would a trainer skip the Preakness?
The Preakness comes just 14 days after the Kentucky Derby, a grueling 1¼-mile race. Trainers weigh recovery time, breeding value risk, and the new Laurel Park venue before committing their horses.
Who won the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
Golden Tempo, a 23-1 longshot trained by Cherie DeVaux and ridden by Jose Ortiz, won the 152nd Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2026. DeVaux became the first woman in history to train a Kentucky Derby winner.
How many Triple Crown winners have there been?
There have been 13 Triple Crown winners since 1875. The last was Justify in 2018. No horse has won all three races since.
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