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Golden Tempo, a 23-1 longshot, claimed the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The victory marked a historic moment for trainer Cherie DeVaux, who became the first woman in history to win the prestigious race. Ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, Golden Tempo rallied from last place to edge out Renegade by a neck in a dramatic finish.

The race, presented by Woodford Reserve, saw Golden Tempo break slowly and struggle early, but the colt made a desperate charge down the front stretch to secure the win. The victory was especially significant as it shattered the recent trend of closers failing to come from behind at Churchill Downs. DeVaux, who trained Golden Tempo from Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable, described the win as a dream come true.

Golden Tempo’s win was the culmination of a thrilling race that saw multiple horses jockeying for position. Renegade, the second-place finisher, had also come from behind but was ultimately outpaced by Golden Tempo in the final furlongs. The race was watched by thousands of spectators and millions more around the world, cementing Golden Tempo’s place in horse racing history.

Historic Achievement for Cherie DeVaux

Cherie DeVaux’s victory is a landmark achievement for women in the sport of horse racing. She is the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, a race often referred to as the “most exciting two minutes in sports.” DeVaux, who has been training for decades, expressed her gratitude and pride in the accomplishment, stating that it was a testament to the hard work and dedication of her team and the horse.

DeVaux’s historic win comes at a time when the sport is increasingly recognizing the contributions of women in training and ownership. Golden Tempo, a homebred for Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable, was a 23-1 longshot entering the race, making the victory even more remarkable. The colt’s jockey, Jose Ortiz, also played a pivotal role in the win, guiding Golden Tempo to victory with precision and skill.

Race Details and Post-Race Analysis

Golden Tempo finished the race in a time of 2:02.27, with Renegade and Ocelli rounding out the top three. The race saw a record-breaking handle for Kentucky Derby Week, with massive betting interest across the board. The payout for a $2 win bet on Golden Tempo was $48.24, reflecting the horse’s longshot odds and the excitement surrounding the race.

Churchill Downs reported that the race set a new all-time handle record for Derby Week, underscoring the global appeal of the event. The victory also sets the stage for Golden Tempo’s potential run at the Preakness Stakes, scheduled for May 16, 2026. Trainer DeVaux has indicated that she is considering the Preakness as the next step in Golden Tempo’s career, though no official decision has been made.

Other notable finishers in the race included Renegade, who finished second, and Ocelli, who came in third. The race was characterized by its unpredictability, with several horses making late charges and altering the field’s dynamics. The dramatic finish has already sparked discussions about the role of late-running horses in the Derby and whether this style of racing could become more common in future editions.

What’s Next for Golden Tempo and the Field?

Following the Derby, Golden Tempo is expected to ship back to Keeneland, with trainer DeVaux considering the Preakness Stakes as a potential next step. The colt’s performance has drawn widespread praise, and many are now looking ahead to see if Golden Tempo can continue its momentum in the Triple Crown series.

Renegade, the runner-up, is set to head to Saratoga, while other top finishers like Chief Wallabee and Wonder Dean will also be making their post-Derby plans. The race has reignited conversations about the future of horse racing, particularly the role of women in training and the potential for longshot victories to become more common in major races.

As the dust settles on the 2026 Kentucky Derby, Golden Tempo’s victory stands as a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of the sport. With DeVaux’s historic achievement, the race has not only delivered a thrilling finish but also made a lasting impact on the future of horse racing.

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