For the last five weeks, many horse racing experts have proclaimed that Golden Tempo’s victory at the Kentucky Derby was a one-off or a fluke. They said the horse received the perfect setup to prevail at Churchill Downs, and that was something he wouldn’t be able to pull off twice. The 2026 Belmont Stakes was Golden Tempo’s chance to respond to the doubters, and he did so in a triumphant way as the thoroughbred prevailed at The Third Jewel of the Triple Crown on Saturday.
Slotted at the far outside No. 9 post, Golden Tempo bested the nine-horse field with a winning time of 2:03.49 and in front by 1 1/4 lengths. That time certainly didn’t set any speed records, as it was nearly three seconds slower than last year’s victor, but a win is a win. Commandment finished in second place, with Renegade, who was the favorite and was runner-up to Golden Tempo at the Derby, placing third.
