Golden Tempo takes the Kentucky Derby as Cherie DeVaux becomes the 1st woman to train its winner
Golden Tempo won the 152nd Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs, ridden by jockey Jose L. Ortiz. The victory marked the first time Cherie DeVaux trained a Derby winner, making her the first woman to achieve the feat. Ortiz also won the Kentucky Oaks within 24 hours, completing a notable racing double.
- ▪Golden Tempo won the Kentucky Derby at odds of 23-1, charging from behind to secure victory.
- ▪Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner, and only the second female trainer to win any Triple Crown race.
- ▪Jose L. Ortiz won the Derby for the first time in his 11th attempt, shortly after winning the Kentucky Oaks.
- ▪The race featured 18 horses after Great White was scratched due to flipping and throwing his jockey.
- ▪DeVaux is the 18th woman to saddle a horse in the Kentucky Derby and won in her first attempt as a trainer.
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National Golden Tempo takes the Kentucky Derby as Cherie DeVaux becomes the 1st woman to train its winner May 2, 20267:44 PM ET By The Associated Press 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. Jeff Roberson/AP hide caption toggle caption Jeff Roberson/AP LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Golden Tempo won the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, making Cherie DeVaux the first woman to train the winner of the opening leg of the Triple Crown. Ridden by Jose Ortiz, Golden Tempo — who was at the back of the back early — charged down the stretch to make history for DeVaux in the 1 1/8-mile race, winning at odds of 23-1. Renegade was second, with brother Irad Ortiz Jr.
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