With the connections of Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Golden Tempo deciding to skip the Preakness Stakes (G1) in favor of a planned start in the Belmont Stakes (G1) June 6 at Saratoga Race Course, it marks the third time in five years that the Derby winner will not race in the Preakness.
The decision brings even more urgency to officials considering changes to the Triple Crown schedule, specifically the date of the Preakness.
In our May issue of BloodHorse Magazine, award-winning writer Bob Ehalt looks at the history, angles, and ideas surrounding this decision that pits tradition against modern training methods as Maryland prepares to return the Preakness to Pimlico Race Course in 2027.
"I love history and I believe you should respect it but, at the same time, I am also one for change," says Maryland Jockey Club president and general manager Bill Knauf. "Every sport goes through changes."
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