Golden Tempo Triumphs in the 158th Belmont Stakes

Golden Tempo claimed victory in the 158th Belmont Stakes for three-year-olds on Saturday at Saratoga Race Course in New York. The horse, who previously won the Kentucky Derby, showcased his talent once again. "Golden Tempo is amazing," exclaimed trainer Cherie DeVaux. "It's so meaningful because the town gets to celebrate along with all of us."

With this latest win, DeVaux made history as the first female trainer to guide two horses to Triple Crown victories in the same year using the same horse. She previously broke barriers when Golden Tempo secured the Kentucky Derby title on May 2 and chose to forgo participating in the Preakness Stakes.

Reflecting on Golden Tempo's performance, DeVaux noted, "He was very much improving," as the colt surged from the back of the field to secure a win by a length. Commandment took the second spot while Renegade finished in third place.

Jockey Jose Ortiz, who rode Golden Tempo, expressed optimism, stating, "We just want to keep him getting better. He does everything you ask." Following the race, speculation arose regarding Golden Tempo's potential success in the Preakness, but DeVaux preferred to focus on the present. "It's not something I want to think about," she told Fox's Tom Rinaldi. "We made our decision, and he won today, and we're going to be happy about that."

Golden Tempo now joins an exclusive group of only 13 horses to have won both the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes while opting out of the Preakness, a feat accomplished by Sovereignty just last year.