Decision on Toby Keith's Horse Revealed in 2025 Preakness Stakes Lineup

The late country singer Toby Keith always dreamed of getting one of his horses into the Kentucky Derby, and his stable achieved that dream earlier this month when Render Judgment was a late addition to the field.

But horse racing and country music fans may not get to see the colt in the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown.

Keith, who died in February 2024 after a battle with cancer, was the owner of Dream Walkin Farms and partnered with other stables to raise thoroughbreds. Keith's job was to name the horses, and he got to name Render Judgment before his passing last year.

After Render Judgment competed in the Kentucky Derby, it appears there are no plans to take part in this weekend's big race. The Preakness Stakes published a list of nine contenders set to take part in Saturday's race, with Render Judgment not making the cut. 

Keith had stressed that the Kentucky Derby was his biggest goal, saying in a 2019 interview that it's one of the most difficult achievements in horse racing.

“The derby’s the one you want to win,” Keith said. “That’s the one that everyone wants to hang on their wall and say, ‘I won the Kentucky Derby.’ But God it’s hard to get there.” 

The late country singer's family reveled in the Kentucky Derby bid, even if he couldn't see it himself. His daughter, Krystal Keith, told The Oklahoman that just making it into the race was a victory for the family.

“The fact that he had a horse make it to the derby is a huge win for our family in itself,” Krystal Keith said. “And if he happens to win the derby, that would just be the cherry on top.” 

Toby Keith's horse fell short in the Kentucky Derby, finishing No. 17 in a field of 19 horses.