The Triple Crown Is Facing Pressure To Change Schedule

The Triple Crown needs to change its schedule.

On Wednesday, Cherie DeVaux, the trainer of the Kentucky Derby champion, Golden Tempo, announced that its horse would not be competing in The Preakness Stakes, therefore dropping out of a Triple Crown pursuit.

"After much thoughtful discussion as a team, we have decided that Golden Tempo will bypass the Preakness Stakes. We are incredibly appreciative of the excitement and support surrounding the possibility of a Triple Crown run. The enthusiasm from racing fans, our owners, and our entire team has meant more to us than we can properly express. 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," the statement read.

"We are looking forward to pointing him toward the Belmont Stakes and are excited for what lies ahead with this very special horse. Thank you again to everyone who has supported and believed in this journey alongside us."

The Kentucky Derby was on Saturday. The Preakness Stakes are in a week and a half, set for Saturday, May 16. The Belmont Stakes are then a couple of weeks after that, on June 6.

But does the horse racing schedule need to change?

There's a growing push for that, in the wake of Golden Tempo's withdrawal on Wednesday afternoon.

Triple Crown needs to change schedule

NFL Network insider and horse racing guru Ian Rapoport is pushing for a schedule change.

"Ah, too bad. Hopefully there is a schedule change, soon," he wrote.

It's the third time in five years that the Kentucky Derby champion will skip The Preakness. Most just feel that it's too soon.

Not everyone agrees, though.

"The schedule being so grueling is what's always made it special. In terms of toughness to achieve it's the equivalent of an NFL team winning three games in one week - while most of the teams you're playing are totally rested," The Spun's Tzvi Machlin said.

What do you think - does the Triple Crown need to change its schedule?

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This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 3:40 PM.