Golden Tempo Captures 2026 Belmont Stakes, Cementing His Place Among Horse Racing’s Rising Legends

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Golden Tempo's remarkable 2026 campaign added another historic chapter Saturday evening as the Kentucky Derby winner surged down the stretch to claim the 158th Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.

Golden Tempo ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz wins the Belmont Stakes. Photo courtesy: Getty

In a race filled with storylines, betting favorites, and championship aspirations, it was Golden Tempo who once again delivered when the stakes were highest, rallying from the back of the pack to defeat Commandment and race favorite Renegade in the final jewel of the Triple Crown series.

While the horse was unable to capture the Triple Crown after skipping the Preakness Stakes, Golden Tempo's victories in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes have solidified him as one of the most significant thoroughbreds of the 2026 season and one of the sport's brightest stars moving forward.

For horse racing fans, the performance served as a reminder that greatness is not always measured by Triple Crown trophies alone.

A Familiar Winning Formula

Anyone who watched Golden Tempo's stunning Kentucky Derby victory likely experienced a sense of déjà vu as the field rounded the final turn at Saratoga.

Once again, Golden Tempo found himself trailing much of the field early. Once again, jockey José Ortiz remained patient.

And once again, Golden Tempo unleashed a devastating late charge.

As the leaders began to tire entering the stretch, Golden Tempo accelerated past several contenders before overtaking Commandment and holding off a late challenge from Renegade to secure the victory.

The win marked Golden Tempo's second Triple Crown race victory of the season and further validated what many initially considered a surprise performance at Churchill Downs only weeks earlier.

Instead of being remembered as a Derby longshot, Golden Tempo is now firmly established as one of the elite three-year-olds in the country.

Historic Victory for Cherie DeVaux

The significance of the Belmont victory extends well beyond the horse itself.

Trainer Cherie DeVaux continued to make history throughout the 2026 season as Golden Tempo's success elevated her place within one of horse racing's most competitive industries.

Earlier this year, DeVaux became the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner. With Saturday's victory, she became the first female trainer to win multiple Triple Crown races and only the second woman ever to train a Belmont Stakes winner.

The achievement carries additional meaning because the Belmont was once again held at Saratoga Race Course, located in DeVaux's hometown of Saratoga Springs.

For a trainer who began her career around the historic New York racing community, winning one of the sport's most prestigious races in front of a hometown crowd created a moment that many within the industry will remember for years.

The accomplishment also represents another step forward for women in horse racing, a sport that has traditionally been dominated by men at the highest levels.

Why Golden Tempo's Season Matters

The Triple Crown season often produces one defining horse.

In recent years, fans have watched stars emerge only to fade from the spotlight after one memorable performance. Golden Tempo appears to be building a different legacy.

His Derby victory showcased resilience and closing speed. His Belmont victory proved those qualities were not a fluke.

Even more impressive is the fact that Golden Tempo entered the Belmont facing questions after bypassing the Preakness Stakes. Some critics wondered whether the Derby winner could maintain his momentum after several weeks away from competition.

Instead, the horse looked fresh, confident, and every bit capable of delivering another championship-level effort.

The victory has immediately sparked conversations about where Golden Tempo ranks among recent Triple Crown-era stars and what opportunities could await later this summer and fall.

Saratoga's Final Belmont Era Comes to a Close

Saturday's race also marked the end of a unique chapter in Belmont Stakes history.

Due to ongoing renovations at Belmont Park, the race has spent the last three years at Saratoga Race Course. The 2026 edition is expected to be the final Belmont contested at the historic upstate New York venue before the race returns to Belmont Park in 2027.

That reality added extra significance to this year's event.

Saratoga has long been considered one of the most iconic venues in American horse racing, and Golden Tempo now joins a select group of champions whose names will forever be associated with the race's temporary home.

Looking Ahead

For now, Golden Tempo leaves Saratoga with two Triple Crown victories and growing national recognition.

The horse may not have completed the Triple Crown journey, but his accomplishments have already secured a place among the most memorable stories of the 2026 racing season.

In an era where horse racing continues searching for crossover stars capable of attracting new fans to the sport, Golden Tempo has emerged as exactly that type of athlete.

The combination of a dramatic running style, a history-making trainer, and a pair of victories on racing's biggest stages has created one of the most compelling stories in sports this year.

Whether additional major victories follow remains to be seen.

What is already certain, however, is that Golden Tempo's 2026 campaign will be remembered as one of the defining runs in modern thoroughbred racing.