Golden Tempo trainer Cherie DeVaux calls criticism of Preakness decision unfair: 'The horse is not a machine'

Golden Tempo trainer Cherie DeVaux talks to Fox News Digital about the reaction to withdrawing Golden Tempo from the Preakness Stakes.

Golden Tempo is not running in the Preakness Stakes after winning the Kentucky Derby, and trainer Cherie DeVaux said they are focused on the bigger picture.

DeVaux, 44, told Fox News Digital in a recent interview that most of the reactions to Golden Tempo not participating and missing out on a chance for the Triple Crown, have been positive. She did label the criticism about the decision to rest Golden Tempo as unfair.

"It's been a mix of both, mostly positive. Which I appreciate, and I understand that fans of the sport or fans of the Triple Crown are disappointed, but the horse is not a machine," DeVaux said.

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Trainer Cherie DeVaux stands outside a barn after a workout at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, 2026. (Charlie Riedel/AP Photo)

"I have to advocate as the trainer to the owners or the clients, and we had a conversation, it wasn't my decision. It was a decision we made as a group and I'm sorry if people don't understand what goes into it. ‘Why enter the Derby if your not going to run the Triple Crown?’ Well, I think that’s unfair. We are not committing to this and they're horses, like they're animals, and they're not just a car where you can go out and run them in two weeks. That’s not how it works, and unfortunately if you’re not going to understand, then I can’t help you."

DeVaux said she honors the tradition of the Triple Crown, but they don’t want to push Golden Tempo too hard. The Saratoga Springs, New York, native called the decision a hard one.

"It’s hard, I do understand where others are coming from,