Golden Tempo takes the Kentucky Derby; Cherie DeVaux becomes the 1st woman to train its winner – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Louisville, Kentucky – Golden Tempo rallied from far back to capture the 152nd Kentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs.[1][2] Trainer Cherie DeVaux etched her name in the record books as the first woman to train a winner in the 152-year history of America’s greatest race.[3] The longshot’s victory drew cheers from more than 150,000 fans and sparked windfalls for bettors in Las Vegas sportsbooks, where wagering on the event traditionally surges.[4]
A Last-to-First Surge Seals the Win
The 1¼-mile classic unfolded with high drama on a fast track. Golden Tempo, starting from post position 19 in a field of 18 horses, settled near the rear early on.[2] Jockey Jose Ortiz kept the colt patient amid the chaos of the wide starting gate.
As the leaders tired in the stretch, Golden Tempo unleashed a powerful outside bid. The bay colt flew past rivals, edging Renegade at the wire for the victory at 23-1 odds.[5][6] Ocelli held third in the photo finish. Ortiz, who also won the Kentucky Oaks the day before, claimed a rare double.[7]
Cherie DeVaux’s Journey to the Winner’s Circle
Cherie DeVaux grew up as a gallop girl at Churchill Downs, immersing herself in the sport from a young age. After stints as a pre-med student and a self-described “wild child,” she launched her training career nine years ago, betting on her instincts.[8][9] Previously an assistant to top trainer Chad Brown, DeVaux built her stable steadily.
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Golden Tempo, owned by Phipps Stable, rewarded her preparation with this breakthrough. “He’s a dead closer and the Louisiana Derby really solidified he was getting there from the back,” DeVaux said after earlier prep races.[10] Her win joins Jena Antonucci’s 2023 Belmont Stakes success as a milestone for women in Triple Crown races.[6]
- First female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby.
- Overcame personal crossroads in 2017 to go independent.
- Golden Tempo’s prior wins included a maiden score in December 2025.
Big Payouts Ignite Las Vegas Sportsbooks
Golden Tempo’s upset delivered handsome returns for risk-takers. A $2 win bet paid $48.24, while place returned $19.14 and show $11.90.[11] Exacta and trifecta wagers swelled further, with the top combination yielding substantial dividends.
Las Vegas casinos, hubs for Derby action, reported heavy handle on the race. Sportsbooks like those at Circa and Westgate saw lines packed as bettors chased the longshot amid favorites like Renegade.[12] The $5 million purse, with $3.1 million to the winner’s connections, amplified the stakes – 80% to owners, shares for trainer and jockey.[13]
| Finish | Horse | $2 Payouts (Win/Place/Show) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Golden Tempo | $48.24 / $19.14 / $11.90 |
| 2nd | Renegade | – / $7.14 / $5.45 |
| 3rd | Ocelli | – / – / $36.34 |
Path Forward in the Triple Crown Chase
The victory earns Golden Tempo a spot in the Preakness Stakes on May 17 at Pimlico Race Course. DeVaux now eyes the middle jewel, though rest and condition will dictate plans.
Her achievement opens doors for future female trainers and handlers. As one post-race observer noted, DeVaux simply wanted to give girls a chance in racing – a goal now realized in spectacular fashion.[14] The Derby’s legacy grows richer.
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