Golden Tempo Wins Kentucky Derby as DeVaux Makes History

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Golden Tempo Wins Kentucky Derby as DeVaux Makes History/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Golden Tempo won the 152nd Kentucky Derby in a surprise finish. Trainer Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to win the race. The victory marks a historic milestone in horse racing history.

Trainer Cherie DeVaux kisses the trophy after a victory by Golden Tempo in the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs, Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Jockey Jose L. Ortiz celebrates after riding Golden Tempo to victory in the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs, Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Golden Tempo Kentucky Derby Quick Looks

Golden Tempo wins Derby at 23-1 odds
Cherie DeVaux becomes first female winning trainer
Jockey Jose Ortiz earns first Derby victory
Horse surged from back to win dramatically
Race featured multiple scratches before start
Over 100,000 fans attended at Churchill Downs

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)

Jockey Jose L. Ortiz, left, is congratulated by Irad Ortiz, Jr. atop Renegade, after riding Golden Tempo to victory during the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs, Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Deep Look

Golden Tempo Charges to Stunning Victory

Golden Tempo delivered a dramatic comeback to win the 152nd Kentucky Derby, surging from the back of the field to capture one of horse racing’s most prestigious titles.

The colt, sent off at 23-1 odds, powered past favorite Renegade in the final stretch, completing the 1 1/4-mile race in 2:02.27. The unexpected finish electrified a crowd of more than 100,000 at Churchill Downs.

The victory not only marked a major upset but also secured a historic moment for the sport.

Cherie DeVaux Makes History

Trainer Cherie DeVaux became the first woman ever to train a Kentucky Derby winner, a milestone achievement in the race’s 152-year history.

“I’m just glad I don’t have to answer that question anymore,” DeVaux said after the race.

Her accomplishment places her alongside other trailblazing women in horse racing and underscores a broader shift toward greater inclusion in the sport.

“It really is an honor to be able to be that person for other women or other little girls to look up to,” she said. “You can dream big, and you can pivot. You can come from one place and make yourself a part of history.”

Journey to the Top

DeVaux’s path to Derby success was anything but easy. She began her career more than two decades ago as an exercise rider and spent years building her stable.

“I didn’t believe,” she said. “I started my career here 22 years ago as a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed exercise rider. And I would not believe that I would be sitting up here today. Never in my life did I think I would.”

Her determination and long-term commitment to the sport played a crucial role in achieving this breakthrough moment.

Jose Ortiz Secures First Derby Win

Jockey Jose Ortiz also reached a major milestone, winning the Kentucky Derby for the first time in his career after 11 attempts.

Ortiz expertly navigated Golden Tempo through a crowded field, making a decisive move around the final turn before sprinting ahead in the closing stretch.

“I get to ride it almost every year, but to get to win it, it’s just special,” Ortiz said. “I just wish my grandpa was here, but I know he’s looking from heaven. Just very happy that I get my goal, my life dream goal achieved.”

Underdog Performance Pays Off

Golden Tempo’s victory came despite earlier concerns about the horse’s condition and performance. The colt had been described as inconsistent, with issues such as cracked heels and focus challenges.

Trainer adjustments, including equipment changes like blinkers, helped prepare the horse for peak performance on race day.

The result was a powerful finish that defied expectations and rewarded bettors with a strong payout.

Race Day Marked by Scratches and Changes

The Derby field was affected by multiple scratches leading up to the race, including last-minute withdrawals due to health concerns and incidents.

The race ultimately featured 18 horses after several late changes, adding to the unpredictability of the event.

Despite these disruptions, the race proceeded smoothly, culminating in one of the most memorable finishes in recent years.

What’s Next for Golden Tempo

Following the Derby victory, attention now turns to the Preakness Stakes, the next leg of the Triple Crown.

DeVaux indicated that a decision on whether Golden Tempo will compete will be made carefully.

“We’re going to let him decide that,” she said. “We’re going to have to allow him to tell us, because the horse is first. We’re not here for ourselves. We’re not here for our egos. We’re here for the horse.”