Golden Tempo wins the 158th running of the Belmont Stakes after winning the Kentucky Derby
Golden Tempo Wins 158th Belmont Stakes, Completes Triple Crown
Golden Tempo wins the 158th running - Golden Tempo wins the 158th Belmont Stakes, cementing its place in history as the first Triple Crown winner in years. On Saturday, the horse surged past competitors in the 1 1/4-mile race at Saratoga Race Course, securing the final leg of the prestigious Triple Crown just five weeks after triumphing at the Kentucky Derby. This victory not only highlights Golden Tempo’s exceptional talent but also marks a significant milestone for trainer Cherie DeVaux, who became the second woman in history to train a Triple Crown winner, following her 2023 success with Arcangelo.
The Belmont Stakes, a cornerstone of American horse racing, saw Golden Tempo demonstrate its dominance in a thrilling finish. With odds of 6-1, the horse overcame Commandment in the closing stretch, edging out the favorite Renegade for third place. The race’s unique challenges, including the track’s shifting conditions, were navigated with precision by jockey Jose Ortiz, who played a crucial role in Golden Tempo’s victory. “Golden Tempo is amazing. Jose is amazing,” DeVaux said, reflecting on the partnership that led to this historic win.
“I think he needed to do this to show that he was meant to win the Derby and that he is a horse that belongs in that conversation of being one of the top 3-year-olds,” DeVaux added. She emphasized her deep connection to Saratoga, where she began her training career and where the Belmont now holds a special place in its legacy.
The 158th Belmont Stakes was more than just a race for Golden Tempo; it was a testament to perseverance. Cherie DeVaux’s journey to this moment is as remarkable as the horse’s performance. As the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner, her achievement at the Belmont solidified her status as a trailblazer in the sport. This win adds to her growing list of accomplishments, including her 2023 victory with Arcangelo, and positions her as a key figure in the evolving landscape of thoroughbred racing.
“All the credit goes to Golden Tempo, who won the race and Jose did a wonderful job of making it happen,” Ortiz said. “But I’m just so fortunate to be in this position. It’s history-making, and I’ve kind of shied away from it, but I’m really gracious that I am that person.”
Golden Tempo’s victory also carried emotional weight for co-owner Vinnie Viola, who dedicated the win to his late friend Dominic DiPrisco. “I know you’re in heaven, and I love you. This race is for you,” Viola shared, underscoring the personal significance of the triumph. The horse’s earnings of $14 to win, $7.32 to place, and $3.88 to show reflected its popularity among bettors and the public’s enthusiasm for its journey. As the Belmont Stakes returns to Belmont Park next year, the race’s legacy at Saratoga remains etched in the annals of sports history.
A Legacy Shaped by Triumph and Tradition
The 158th Belmont Stakes was a celebration of both individual and collective achievements. Golden Tempo’s win not only fulfilled the Triple Crown dream but also highlighted the resilience of the racing community during a time of transition. The race, traditionally held at Saratoga, served as its final run in the region before the track undergoes redevelopment. This shift underscores the dynamic nature of the sport, where even the most storied traditions must adapt to new challenges.
Golden Tempo’s success in the 158th Belmont Stakes is a rare feat, as only a handful of horses have ever completed the Triple Crown. The horse’s ability to maintain form across three grueling races, including the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, speaks to its exceptional conditioning and the team’s strategic focus. Ortiz’s role in this success cannot be overstated, as his expertise in navigating the Belmont’s demanding course was pivotal to the final outcome. The combination of DeVaux’s training philosophy and Ortiz’s riding skill created a seamless partnership that propelled Golden Tempo to victory.
The Triple Crown’s significance extends beyond the horse’s performance, symbolizing the pinnacle of achievement in American racing. Golden Tempo’s win in the 158th Belmont Stakes has reignited discussions about the future of the sport, particularly the role of women in training and the evolving standards of competition. As the horse’s earnings and public acclaim grow, it’s clear that its story will be remembered not just for the races it won, but for the legacy it helped build.