SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Golden Tempo once again demonstrated his exceptional closing ability with a thrilling finish at the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, delivering another historic triumph for trainer Cherie DeVaux. Starting the race 12 lengths behind, jockey Jose Ortiz skillfully guided Golden Tempo from the rear to capture the 158th running of the event, just five weeks after his remarkable last-to-first victory in the Kentucky Derby.
DeVaux praised both her horse and Ortiz, stating, “Golden Tempo is amazing. Jose is amazing. I believe this win was necessary to prove that he was truly meant to win the Derby and cement his status among the top 3-year-olds.” Golden Tempo edged out Commandment by a length and a quarter, with favorite Renegade finishing third. Ortiz shared insight into the race strategy: “I stayed close on the second turn as they accelerated, waiting for the perfect moment to push him. When I did, Golden Tempo responded immediately.”
Following her milestone as the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner, DeVaux has now become the second female trainer in four years to win the Belmont Stakes, joining Jena Antonucci who triumphed with Arcangelo last year. DeVaux is also the first woman to claim multiple victories in Triple Crown races. Reflecting on her achievements, DeVaux said, “It’s overwhelming. All credit goes to Golden Tempo and Jose. I feel incredibly fortunate to make history, even if I’ve been a bit humble about it.”
Though born in Saratoga Springs and starting her training career there, DeVaux considers herself more Southern Florida-raised and currently spends most of her time in Kentucky. Nevertheless, she’s embracing her hometown support: “Everyone’s calling me the hometown girl now, which is kind of fun. I’m going to miss the Saratoga appetizer we call the ‘Bellatoga.'”
Golden Tempo entered the race as the third favorite amid concerns over whether he could repeat such a dramatic comeback in a field containing Renegade, the Todd Pletcher-trained runner-up to Golden Tempo in the Derby. Despite a slower pace than Churchill Downs, Golden Tempo managed to close strongly and complete the 1¼-mile race in 2:03.49, proving he was the best among nine contenders.
Ortiz noted the challenge of today’s race setup compared to the Derby: “He wasn’t going to get the same setup as before, and I was nervous about that. But he showed up and won anyway.” Golden Tempo skipped the Preakness Stakes, making him the second horse in consecutive years to win both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont after missing the middle leg. DeVaux commented, “We made our decision, and now we’re celebrating the victory.”
This Belmont Stakes marked the third and final time the race was held at Saratoga, as the usual venue near Queens and Long Island undergoes demolition and reconstruction. While running shorter than its traditional 1½-mile distance due to the Saratoga track, the event will return to Belmont Park next year and resume the classic length. DeVaux expressed the significance: “It’s meaningful to have so much family here and to share this historic race with Saratoga. The town really gets to celebrate alongside us.”
Golden Tempo paid $14 to win, $7.32 to place, and $3.88 to show. Commandment returned $7.02 to show and $4.08 to place, while Renegade paid $2.52 to place. Ortiz followed the favorite Renegade, ridden by his older brother Irad, much like the Derby, leading to a similar outcome. “Golden Tempo was a bit lively today, which I liked because it meant he was sharp and ready,” Ortiz said. “He remains very relaxed and responsive, doing exactly what I asked.”
Co-owner Vinnie Viola dedicated the win to his late friend Dominic DiPrisco, who passed away Wednesday at age 70. “I know you’re in heaven, and this race is for you,” Viola said emotionally. Ortiz notched his second Belmont win, nine years after his first with Tapwrit in 2017, and added, “Our goal was to help him improve and keep winning big races. This win is all about Golden Tempo.”
Fan Take:
Golden Tempo’s victory underscores the thrilling unpredictability and heart-stopping finishes that keep fans captivated in horse racing. This win not only highlights the growing prominence of female trainers making history, but it also breathes new life into the sport by showcasing tenacity, strategy, and remarkable talent, inspiring a fresh generation of racing enthusiasts.
Source: www.espn.com
