Golden Tempo delivered another late surge on Saturday to win the 158th running of the Belmont Stakes, extending a standout season that already included a Kentucky Derby victory. The win at Saratoga Race Course marked a rare back-to-back Classic triumph for the colt and trainer Cherie DeVaux.
Race
Ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, Golden Tempo came from approximately 12 lengths off the pace to win in a strong closing run. The horse rallied from the back of the field in the stretch to secure victory in the 1 1/4-mile race, which is being run at Saratoga while Belmont Park undergoes redevelopment.
Golden Tempo defeated Commandment by a length and a quarter, with race favorite Renegade finishing third.
The winning time was 2:03.49, and Golden Tempo paid $14 to win.
Strategy
Ortiz positioned Golden Tempo near the rear of the field early, tracking the leaders before making a late move in the final turn. The pace was slower than in the Kentucky Derby, which required a different timing strategy from the rider.
Ortiz said he had concerns about whether the setup would favor a closer, but the horse responded when asked.
“He wasn’t going to get that setup as he did in the Derby,” Ortiz said. “But today there wasn’t one and he showed up and won.”
Trainer
Trainer Cherie DeVaux continued a historic run with the victory. She previously became the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner and now adds a Belmont Stakes win to her record, becoming the first woman to win multiple Triple Crown races.
DeVaux credited both the horse and jockey for the performance, calling Golden Tempo “amazing” and praising Ortiz’s timing in the stretch run.
She also noted the emotional significance of competing at Saratoga, where the Belmont Stakes has been temporarily relocated.
Field
The race featured a nine-horse field, including Renegade, who had finished second to Golden Tempo in the Kentucky Derby. Despite expectations for a competitive pace, the early fractions were slower than anticipated, which changed race dynamics.
Golden Tempo ultimately overcame a less favorable setup compared to his Derby win, reinforcing his reputation as a strong late closer.
Context
This year marks the final Belmont Stakes held at Saratoga before the race returns to Belmont Park in New York. When it returns next year, it is expected to revert to its traditional 1 1/2-mile distance.
The Saratoga run covered 1 1/4 miles due to track configuration.
Reactions
Ortiz said Golden Tempo remains highly responsive and composed under pressure, noting the horse’s ability to settle early and accelerate late.
Co-owner Vinnie Viola dedicated the win to a close friend, saying the victory carried personal meaning for him and his family.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Winner | Golden Tempo |
| Trainer | Cherie DeVaux |
| Jockey | Jose Ortiz |
| Race | 158th Belmont Stakes |
| Location | Saratoga Race Course |
| Distance | 1 1/4 miles |
| Winning time | 2:03.49 |
| Margin | 1 1/4 lengths |
| Odds | 6-1 |
| Runner-up | Commandment |
| Third place | Renegade |
Golden Tempo’s Belmont Stakes victory confirms his status as one of the top 3-year-old horses of the season, adding to a campaign that already includes a Kentucky Derby win and establishing momentum heading into the remainder of the racing year.
FAQs
Who won the Belmont Stakes?
Golden Tempo won the 158th Belmont Stakes.
Who trained the winner?
Cherie DeVaux trained Golden Tempo.
Who rode the horse?
What was the winning margin?
Golden Tempo won by 1 1/4 lengths.
Where was the race held?
At Saratoga Race Course.
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