The absence of Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo from the Preakness Stake may lead to significant changes to the timing of the Triple Crown's second jewel. (Photo by Michael Reaves) Getty Images When Golden Tempo won the 2026 Kentucky Derby, expectations immediately shifted toward Baltimore and dreams of a 14th Triple Crown champion—the first since 2018. Those dreams ended four days later—and with them, perhaps, the traditional structure of the Triple Crown itself.