Golden Tempo to Run in 2026 Breeders' Cup Classic
The Kentucky-bred three-year-old will compete for the $7 million purse on October 31, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Equestrian
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Golden Tempo is set to race in the 2026 Breeders' Cup Classic, scheduled for October 31, 2026, at 6:16 p.m. The three-year-old colt carries a career record of 4-0-3.
Why it matters
The horse aims to become only the fifth winner of both the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders' Cup Classic in a single year. Additionally, trainer Cherie DeVaux looks to become the second woman to secure a victory in the event.
Golden Tempo enters the race with $4,783,000 in total career earnings. The colt has maintained a consistent training schedule with weekly breezes at Keeneland since September 18, 2026.
The players
Golden Tempo
A three-year-old bay horse bred in Kentucky who is currently training at the Keeneland track.
Cherie DeVaux
The professional trainer of Golden Tempo who is seeking to become the second female trainer to win the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Jose Ortiz
A professional jockey who is the designated rider for Golden Tempo.
Phipps Stable
A prominent horse racing operation and one of the two co-owners of Golden Tempo.
St. Elias Stable
A well-known thoroughbred ownership group that shares ownership of Golden Tempo with Phipps Stable.
The details
Owned by Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable, Golden Tempo most recently finished third in the Grade 1 Travers at Saratoga on August 29, 2026. Jockey Jose Ortiz will guide the horse throughout the upcoming high-stakes event.
Timeline
August 29, 2026: Golden Tempo finished third in the Travers.
September 18, 2026: Golden Tempo started weekly breezes at Keeneland.
October 26, 2026: The Breeders' Cup post-position draw takes place.
October 31, 2026: The Breeders' Cup Classic race begins at 6:16 p.m.
Season Trajectory
Golden Tempo's performance in the Breeders' Cup Classic will define the legacy of its three-year-old campaign. A win would cement the horse among the rare dual-winners of the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders' Cup Classic.
The $7 million purse represents the total incentive for entrants in this premier field. Bettors and fans should note that post-position assignments, which directly influence race strategy and odds, will be finalized on October 26.
The takeaway
Golden Tempo enters this race with significant momentum following its career earnings of nearly $5 million. Followers of the sport should track the October 26 draw closely as it serves as the final variable before the race begins.
What happens next
The official post-position draw for the Breeders' Cup Classic is scheduled for October 26, 2026.
Further reading
For more on local racing developments, visit the Equestrian section.
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