Cherie DeVaux Prepares Golden Tempo for Breeders' Cup
The 152nd Kentucky Derby winner eyes a $7 million purse at Keeneland following a successful spring racing campaign.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Equestrian
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Trainer Cherie DeVaux is conditioning Golden Tempo for the upcoming Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland on October 31, 2026. This follows the horse's dual success in the 152nd Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes in May 2026.
Why it matters
DeVaux bypassed the Preakness Stakes to ensure the horse had sufficient time to physically mature, prioritizing long-term development over an immediate Triple Crown pursuit. This strategic decision aimed to prevent potential regression and prepare the horse for top-tier competitive events.
The Breeders' Cup Classic features a $7 million purse, representing one of the richest prizes in horse racing. Golden Tempo secured victories in both the 152nd Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes earlier this season.
The players
Cherie DeVaux
She is a professional horse trainer who focuses on Thoroughbred racing and development.
Golden Tempo
This Thoroughbred racehorse is the winner of the 152nd Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes.
She Feels Pretty
This is a horse that was previously trained by Cherie DeVaux.
The details
Golden Tempo utilizes a racing style that focuses on settling behind horses with early speed before mounting a challenge. Trainer Cherie DeVaux, who previously trained She Feels Pretty, managed the horse's schedule to include recovery time after an illness during the summer of 2026.
Timeline
Golden Tempo won the 152nd Kentucky Derby in May 2026.
The horse won the Belmont Stakes in May 2026.
The Breeders' Cup Classic takes place on October 31, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The Breeders' Cup Classic serves as the final major test for elite Thoroughbreds, shaping the landscape for end-of-year championship honors. A strong performance here validates a horse's status as a leader in its division following a condensed spring and summer schedule.
Golden Tempo enters the Breeders' Cup as a proven winner at 1.25 miles and 1.5 miles, adding versatility to its profile for bettors. The focus remains on whether the horse has regained full fitness following its summer illness.
The takeaway
Strategic management of a horse's race schedule is often as critical as the training regimen itself. Decisions to skip high-profile races can effectively preserve an athlete's physical longevity for more significant career milestones.
What happens next
Golden Tempo is scheduled to compete in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland on October 31, 2026.
Further reading
Read more about major racing events on the Equestrian page.
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