The 2026 Triple Crown season delivered one of the greatest redemption stories in horse racing history — and Golden Tempo proved every critic dead wrong! After storming to a stunning upset victory in the Kentucky Derby as a 23-1 longshot, the bay colt faced relentless doubt. Many called his win a “fluke” caused by a pace collapse, while others insisted runner-up Renegade was the better horse robbed by racing luck.
When his connections boldly skipped the Preakness Stakes, the skepticism only grew louder. But Golden Tempo silenced them all in spectacular fashion at the 158th Belmont Stakes (held at Saratoga). Ridden brilliantly by jockey José Ortiz and trained by the trailblazing Cherie DeVaux, he powered to victory by 1¼ lengths over Commandment, with favorite Renegade finishing third.
This wasn’t just another classic win — it was validation. Golden Tempo’s elite pedigree (by legendary sire Curlin out of the tough Bernardini mare Carumba) combined with patient training and tactical brilliance created a true champion. DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby and only the second to capture the Belmont, adding historic layers to the triumph.
From longshot to dual classic winner, Golden Tempo overcame the noise, the doubts, and the pressure to etch his name into racing immortality. Patience, preparation, and raw talent won the day.
