Golden Tempo delivered another big victory in the Belmont Stakes 2026, adding to an already impressive season after also winning the Kentucky Derby earlier this year. With jockey Jose Ortiz on board, the horse powered down the final stretch to secure a strong finish at Saratoga Race Course.
The race took place at Saratoga Race Course in New York, where the Belmont Stakes has been held temporarily while Belmont Park undergoes redevelopment. The historic event continues to draw large crowds despite the location change.
Golden Tempo finished the 1¼-mile race in 2:03.49, holding off late pressure from Commandment, who finished second. Pre-race favorite Renegade came in third after a competitive run in the final stages.
Trainer Cherie DeVaux praised the horse after the win, saying Golden Tempo showed he belonged among the top three-year-olds in racing. She said the victory confirmed his quality after earlier success in the season.
DeVaux also reflected on the emotional importance of the win, noting the significance of achieving major success in Saratoga Springs, where she began her training career. She described the moment as historic and deeply meaningful.
Jockey Jose Ortiz said the race was different from the Kentucky Derby, where the early pace helped set up Golden Tempo’s strong finish. This time, the race developed more slowly, and Ortiz had to adjust his strategy during the run.
He said he was slightly concerned about the lack of pace early in the race, but Golden Tempo responded well when asked. Ortiz added that the horse stayed calm, focused, and followed instructions perfectly in the closing stretch.
Golden Tempo’s performance added to a strong season that now includes wins in two of the three major Triple Crown races. The decision by the ownership team to skip the Preakness Stakes earlier in the series has not slowed the horse’s momentum.
Instead, the strategy appears to have helped keep the horse fresh for key races. Winning both the Derby and Belmont in the same year is a rare achievement and has placed Golden Tempo among the standout horses of the season.
Co-owner Vinnie Viola dedicated the Belmont victory to a close friend who recently passed away, adding an emotional note to the celebration. He said the win carried deep personal meaning and was shared in honor of his friend’s memory.
The race also marked another milestone for jockey Jose Ortiz, who secured his second Belmont Stakes victory. His first came in 2017 aboard Tapwrit. Ortiz said Golden Tempo continues to improve and responds well under pressure.
He added that the horse remains calm during races and executes instructions effectively, which he said is key to winning at the highest level. Ortiz credited the entire team for preparing the horse throughout the season.
Golden Tempo’s win also highlights the growing success of trainer Cherie DeVaux, who continues to make history in major U.S. horse racing events. Her achievements have added to increased attention on female trainers in top-level racing.
With the Belmont Stakes 2026 now complete, attention turns to the rest of the racing season. Golden Tempo’s performance has already secured a place among the year’s most talked-about horses.
The victory at Saratoga further strengthens his reputation as one of the leading three-year-olds in the sport. Fans and analysts will now watch closely to see how the horse performs in future major races as the season continues.
