Golden Tempo added another significant chapter to his rapidly growing legacy on Saturday, storming home to win the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course and complete a memorable Kentucky Derby-Belmont Stakes double.
The final running of the Belmont at Saratoga before its scheduled return to a redeveloped Belmont Park in 2027 produced a fitting headline act, as the Curlin colt delivered a powerful late surge to defeat his rivals over 1¼ miles on a rain-affected track.
The victory carried extra historical significance for trainer Cherie DeVaux, who became only the second female trainer to win the Belmont Stakes. Having already celebrated Kentucky Derby glory earlier in the season, DeVaux now owns two Triple Crown race victories in what has become a breakthrough campaign.
Jockey Jose Ortiz also enjoyed a landmark afternoon, securing his second Belmont Stakes success with a ride that perfectly complemented the colt’s proven closing style.
Drawn widest of the nine runners, Golden Tempo broke alertly but lost ground after drifting outward in the opening strides. Ortiz resisted the temptation to rush forward and instead allowed his mount to settle near the rear as Powershift established control of the race through moderate early fractions.
Powershift led the field down the backstretch with Growth Equity tracking closely, while Emerging Market improved his position approaching the far turn. Golden Tempo remained among the trailing group but travelled comfortably, conserving energy for a late challenge.
The race began to take shape around the final bend. Emerging Market moved up to press the leaders, and Chief Wallabee soon joined the battle near the front. Further back, Golden Tempo and Commandment started to close steadily as the pace quickened.
At the top of the stretch, several runners appeared to have winning chances. Chief Wallabee briefly gained the advantage, while Growth Equity continued to fight on along the inside. However, the decisive move was still to come.
Once Ortiz found a clear passage, Golden Tempo unleashed his trademark acceleration. Driving strongly through the centre of the track, he swept past his rivals and gradually drew clear inside the final furlong.
Crossing the wire in 2:03.49, Golden Tempo secured a 1¼-length victory and became the 13th horse to complete the prestigious Kentucky Derby-Belmont Stakes double.
DeVaux credited the colt’s continued development for the performance.
Ortiz was equally impressed with the winner’s versatility and professionalism.
Commandment produced the best effort of his career to finish second, while Renegade stayed on to claim third. Chief Wallabee, after briefly threatening to spring a surprise, held fourth.
The triumph also represented a milestone for the ownership team of Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable. For the Phipps family operation, it was a first Belmont Stakes victory since Easy Goer captured the race in 1989.
With Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes victories now on his résumé, Golden Tempo has firmly established himself as one of the leading three-year-olds in training. Connections are expected to point the colt towards the Grade 1 Travers Stakes later this summer, a race that could provide another opportunity to enhance an already outstanding season.
As Saratoga’s three-year stint as Belmont host came to an end, Golden Tempo delivered a performance worthy of the occasion, ensuring the race’s farewell edition at the historic upstate venue will be remembered for years to come.
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