Golden Tempo Wins Belmont Stakes 2026: Historic Victory at Saratoga
The 2026 Belmont Stakes delivered a thrilling finish and another unforgettable chapter in horse racing history. In front of a packed crowd at Saratoga Race Course, Golden Tempo surged down the stretch to capture the final jewel of the Triple Crown series.
The victory gave Golden Tempo his second Triple Crown race win of the season after claiming the Kentucky Derby earlier this year. While the colt did not compete in the Preakness Stakes, his performance in two of racing’s biggest events has made him one of the sport’s brightest stars.
Golden Tempo Delivers Another Late-Race Charge
Jockey Jose Ortiz guided Golden Tempo with patience throughout the race. The colt stayed behind the leaders for much of the contest before finding room in the stretch. Golden Tempo then exploded past the field and held off a strong challenge from Commandment to secure the victory.
The crowd erupted as Golden Tempo crossed the finish line. His powerful closing speed once again proved to be the difference.
Race favorite Renegade finished third after remaining in contention for much of the race.
Golden Tempo completed the race in approximately 2:03.49 and earned the winner’s share of the $2 million purse.
A Historic Moment for Trainer Cherie DeVaux
The Belmont Stakes victory was about more than the horse itself.
Trainer Cherie DeVaux continued her historic season with another milestone achievement. She became the first woman to train winners in multiple Triple Crown races.
DeVaux had already made headlines after her Kentucky Derby victory earlier this year. Adding a Belmont Stakes trophy further strengthened her place in racing history.
The accomplishment carried special meaning because DeVaux was born in Saratoga Springs. Winning one of horse racing’s most prestigious events in her hometown created an unforgettable moment for her team and supporters.
Her success also highlights the growing number of women making an impact at the highest levels of thoroughbred racing.
Saratoga Hosts Another Belmont Stakes
For the third straight year, Saratoga Race Course hosted the Belmont Stakes while renovations continue at Belmont Park.
The historic venue provided a unique atmosphere for one of America’s most celebrated sporting events. Fans packed the grandstands and infield to watch the final Triple Crown race of the season.
Unlike the traditional Belmont Stakes distance of 1½ miles, the Saratoga version was contested at 1¼ miles. The shorter distance created a different strategy for trainers and jockeys.
Many racing fans expect the event to return to Belmont Park in 2027 once construction projects are completed.
Official Belmont Stakes 2026 Results
- Golden Tempo
- Commandment
- Renegade
- Chief Wallabee
- Emerging Market
The top finishers battled throughout the race, but Golden Tempo’s late acceleration proved impossible to match.
What Comes Next for Golden Tempo?
Golden Tempo enters the summer as the horse to beat in American racing. He already owns victories in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.
Racing fans are now watching to see if he can continue his dominance in the sport’s biggest events. Several major races remain on the calendar, and expectations are growing with every start.
For now, the spotlight belongs to Golden Tempo, Jose Ortiz, and Cherie DeVaux. Their victory created one of the most memorable moments of the 2026 horse racing season and added another chapter to Belmont Stakes history.
With two Triple Crown victories on his résumé and momentum on his side, Golden Tempo has established himself as one of the defining horses of 2026.
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