Published:
Last Updated:
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) — In a thrilling display of speed and stamina, Golden Tempo clinched victory in the 158th Belmont Stakes on Saturday, marking the final jewel of the Triple Crown. This triumph comes just five weeks after the horse’s impressive win at the Kentucky Derby, further cementing trainer Cherie DeVaux’s place in the annals of racing history.
Guided by jockey Jose Ortiz, Golden Tempo surged ahead in the final stretch at Saratoga Race Course, successfully fending off a challenge from Commandment to secure the win on this storied track.
Commandment finished in second place, while Renegade, the race favorite, came in third.
The pace was not nearly as fast as it was at Churchill Downs, yet Golden Tempo still was able to close in time to win the 1 1/4-mile race in 2:03.49.
DeVaux, after becoming the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner, is the second in four years to do so at the Belmont. Jena Antonucci won it with Archangelo in 2023.
This was the third and final time for the Belmont at Saratoga in upstate New York while its traditional home on the border of Queens and Long Island is getting demolished and rebuilt. The race is set to return to Belmont Park next year.
DeVaux was born in Saratoga Springs and began her training career at the track.