Golden Tempo won the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2026, making Cherie DeVaux the first female trainer to capture the prestigious race. The victory, achieved at Churchill Downs in front of more than 100,000 spectators, was a milestone in horse racing history.
Ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, Golden Tempo surged from the back of the field to pass the favorite, Renegade, just before the finish line. The final time for the 1 1/4-mile race was 2:02.27. Renegade, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., finished second, while long shot Ocelli placed third. Golden Tempo entered the race at odds of 23-1.
This marked DeVaux’s first Kentucky Derby win since establishing her own stable eight years ago. She is only the 18th woman to enter a horse in the Derby and the second female trainer to win a Triple Crown race, following Jena Antonucci’s 2023 Belmont Stakes victory.
“I just can’t even put into words how happy I am for Golden Tempo,” DeVaux said after the race. “Jose did a masterful job of getting him there. He was so far out of it.”
Ortiz, who won the Derby for the first time in his 11th attempt, celebrated a remarkable milestone after also winning the Kentucky Oaks the previous day. Ortiz expressed that winning the Derby was a lifelong dream, and he dedicated the victory to his late grandfather. His parents were present to witness the triumph.
Race Developments and Field Changes
The race proceeded with 18 horses after several scratches in the days leading up to the event. Great White was scratched less than 12 hours before the race after flipping and unseating its jockey. Other horses scratched this week included Silent Tactic, Fulleffort, and Right to Party, with Ocelli and Robusta added to the field in their places.
Why it matters
DeVaux’s historic win highlights the growing presence and success of female trainers in a male-dominated sport. With Golden Tempo’s unexpected triumph, it signals increased competitiveness and diversity in horse racing. Additionally, the Kentucky Derby remains the first and most celebrated leg of the Triple Crown series, heightening attention on DeVaux’s achievement and Golden Tempo’s prospects for upcoming races such as the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.
Background
The Kentucky Derby is run annually at Churchill Downs and is the first leg of the Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. The race carries a total purse of $5 million, with the winner’s share amounting to $3.1 million. Typically, the horse’s owner receives 80% of the winnings, while the jockey and trainer split the remaining 20%.
Golden Tempo’s win comes eight years after DeVaux launched her training career and shortly after Ortiz’s breakthrough victory at the 2025 Kentucky Oaks, indicating strong momentum for both trainer and jockey in top-level racing competitions.
Sources
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