Golden Tempo Wins Kentucky Derby as Cherie DeVaux Makes History

Golden Tempo secured a historic victory at the 152nd Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2026, marking a milestone for the sport as Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to train the winner of the opening leg of the Triple Crown.

The victory occurred at Churchill Downs in Louisville, where Golden Tempo entered the race as a long shot with odds of 23-1. Ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, the horse overcame a difficult start, remaining at the back of the field for much of the 1 1/8-mile race before charging down the stretch to claim first place.

The finish was a closely contested affair involving a family rivalry, as Jose Ortiz beat his brother, Irad Ortiz Jr., to the wire. Irad Ortiz Jr. Was aboard Renegade, who finished in second place.

Rounding out the top three was Ocelli, another long shot in the event. Ocelli entered the race with odds of 70-1 and finished in third place.

A Historic Milestone for Cherie DeVaux

The win is most significant for the achievement of Cherie DeVaux, who broke a long-standing gender barrier in the Triple Crown’s inaugural event. While women have had increasing influence in the training and ownership of Thoroughbreds, the Kentucky Derby had never previously been won by a female trainer.

The Kentucky Derby is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious sporting events in the United States, and the trainer’s role is critical in preparing a three-year-old horse for the grueling distance and high-pressure environment of Churchill Downs.

DeVaux’s success with Golden Tempo represents a shift in the landscape of professional horse racing, providing a precedent for female trainers in the highest tier of the sport.

Race Dynamics and Results

The race was characterized by a dramatic late-game surge. Golden Tempo’s position at the back of the pack early in the race created a high-risk scenario, but the horse’s ability to maintain speed through the final stretch allowed for the upset victory.

The final standings for the top three finishers were as follows:

• First Place: Golden Tempo (Trainer: Cherie DeVaux, Jockey: Jose Ortiz)
• Second Place: Renegade (Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.)
• Third Place: Ocelli (Odds: 70-1)

The 23-1 odds on Golden Tempo and the 70-1 odds on Ocelli highlight a day of unexpected outcomes, challenging the favorites and underscoring the volatility of the 152nd running of the Derby.

The performance of the Ortiz brothers added a layer of personal drama to the professional competition, as two of the most prominent figures in American jockey racing competed directly for the win in the same race.