Golden Tempo Takes Derby in Historic Run
Golden Tempo (19) ridden by Jose L. Ortiz wins the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs, Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Golden Tempo surged late to win the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, giving trainer Cherie DeVaux a historic victory as the first woman to train a winner of the opening leg of the Triple Crown.
Renegade finished second, while long shot Ocelli came in third. Entering the race at 24-1 odds, Golden Tempo, ridden by Jose Ortiz, was not widely considered a top contender.
DeVaux’s win marks only the second time a female trainer has captured any Triple Crown race, following Jena Antonucci’s victory with Arcangelo in the 2023 Belmont Stakes. DeVaux achieved the milestone in her first Derby appearance, eight years after launching her own stable.
After the race, DeVaux spoke about the significance of the moment, saying she was proud to represent women and hoped to inspire others. Earlier in the week, she had downplayed the historical impact, but later acknowledged the importance of serving as a role model for young girls interested in the sport. She is the 18th woman to saddle a horse in the Kentucky Derby.
Ortiz, who has built a strong record at Churchill Downs, secured his first Derby win on his 11th attempt. He edged out his brother Irad Ortiz Jr., who rode Renegade. DeVaux praised the ride, calling it a masterful performance.
The 1 1/8-mile race featured 18 horses after Great White was scratched shortly before the start when the horse flipped and unseated its jockey.
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