Golden Tempo stunned the crowd at the 152nd Kentucky Derby by winning from the back of the pack, securing a landmark victory for trainer Cherie DeVaux, who became the first woman to win America’s most famous horse race.
Jockey Jose Ortiz expertly guided Golden Tempo through the field, finishing ahead of Renegade and Ocelli in a thrilling race at Churchill Downs.
DeVaux expressed hope that her win would inspire women everywhere, while Ortiz celebrated a double victory after also winning the Kentucky Oaks.
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Golden Tempo Makes History at Kentucky Derby, Cherie DeVaux Becomes First Female Winning Trainer
Golden Tempo surged from the back of the pack to win the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, marking a historic victory for trainer Cherie DeVaux as the first woman to ever saddle a Derby winner. The 24-1 longshot, ridden by Jose Ortiz, navigated through traffic to claim the "Run for the Roses" on a fast track under cool, cloudy skies in Louisville.
Renegade, the 5-1 co-favorite with jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., finished second, while Ocelli secured third place in front of a crowd of 150,415 spectators.
A visibly emotional DeVaux expressed her disbelief and hope that her achievement would inspire others. "I don't even have any words right now," she said. "I'm glad that I could be a representative of all women everywhere. We can do anything we set our minds to." She praised Jose Ortiz for his masterful ride, highlighting the horse's impressive late charge.
DeVaux remained confident despite Golden Tempo's slow start, focusing on the pace of the leading horses. Jose Ortiz, who also won the Kentucky Oaks aboard Always a Runner on Friday, described the victory as a dream come true, especially with his parents in attendance. He acknowledged his brother Irad's strong performance with Renegade and expressed happiness for Cherie and the ownership team.
The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes on May 16 and the Belmont Stakes on June 6.
