Golden Tempo's Belmont Stakes win should change Triple Crown schedule

It seems impossible, but Golden Tempo's Belmont win may have been even more stunning than the Kentucky Derby. Golden Tempo, labeled as a "must fade" by CBS Sports ahead of the race, had massive ground to cover — and several horses to catch — at the final turn (it's the second horse to the far left in the video above), but eventually pulled away for the landmark win. 

"It's overwhelming," DeVaux told Fox Sports' Charissa Thompson afterward. "I feel like that is just what I'm gonna always say."

"The credit goes to Golden Tempo, who won the race, and José did a wonderful job of making it happen," she continued, adding, "I'm just so fortunate to be in this position" before commenting on the win's place in horse racing's record books.

"It's history-making," DeVaux acknowledged. "I've kind of shied away from it, but I'm very gracious that I'm that person."

As captivating as Golden Tempo's two 2026 wins were, it would have been great if the 3-year-old had an opportunity to go 3-for-3. But DeVaux, as any respectable horse trainer would, put Golden Tempo's safety first, keeping the Kentucky Derby winner out of the Preakness Stakes held two weeks later.

"We are incredibly appreciative of the excitement and support surrounding the possibility of a Triple Crown run," DeVaux shared via statement last month, adding, "Golden gave us a race of a lifetime... and we believe the best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time following such a tremendous effort."

As Associated Press sports writer Stephen Whyno wrote at the time, "The two-week turnaround from the Derby to the Preakness ... is considered a nonstarter for many trainers and horses." 

Whyno noted Maryland horse racing officials have floated the possibility of pushing back the Preakness a week, and a WBAL-TV report two days before this year's event echoed that report, with the station noting "discussions are underway to move the date ... farther away from the Kentucky Derby.

"The hope is to get it done in time for the 2027 Preakness."

Some, WBAL shared, argue that stretching out the Triple Crown schedule and allowing more time for recovery takes away from the daunting nature of the accomplishment, while others suggest the current setup diminishes the second leg of the Triple Crown by not featuring the best horses in the class.

The benefits to an expanded schedule outweigh the negatives, especially in light of Golden Tempo's Belmont win. After captivating fans with two breathtaking victories, Golden Tempo, along with last year's Derby-Belmont dual winner Sovereignty, enters horse racing's all-time list of what ifs.

But should officials put more space into the three legs of the Triple Crown, we might not be left wondering anymore.