Golden Tempo takes the Kentucky Derby as Cherie DeVaux becomes the 1st woman to train its winner – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Louisville, Ky. – A longshot colt named Golden Tempo staged a stunning rally from the rear of the field to capture the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, propelling trainer Cherie DeVaux into the record books as the first woman to train a winner in the race’s storied history. The victory marked a personal milestone for DeVaux after years of dedication in a male-dominated sport, drawing cheers from a crowd exceeding 100,000. Her success echoed the barrier-breaking Belmont Stakes win by Jena Antonucci the previous year, underscoring a gradual shift in horse racing’s leadership landscape.
The Dramatic Stretch Run
Jockey Jose Ortiz guided Golden Tempo through traffic on the final turn, unleashing a powerful drive down the stretch to overtake morning-line favorite Renegade in the shadows of the wire. The 1¼-mile classic clocked in at 2:02.27, a testament to the colt’s hidden reserves despite earlier characterizations of laziness. Ortiz secured his first Derby triumph on his 11th attempt, capping a weekend sweep after riding Always a Runner to victory in the Kentucky Oaks the day before.
Golden Tempo, a son of Curlin, entered at 23-1 odds and rewarded bettors handsomely. The win payout stood at $48.24, with place at $19.14 and show at $11.90. Renegade returned $7.14 to place and $5.46 to show, while longshot Ocelli, a late addition to the field, paid $36.34 to show at 70-1.
Cherie DeVaux’s Path to the Podium
DeVaux had fielded questions all week about the prospect of becoming the Derby’s first female-winning trainer, only to find herself momentarily at a loss for words amid the post-race celebration. “I’m just glad I don’t have to answer that question anymore,” she told the applauding crowd. As the 18th woman ever to enter a horse in the 152-year-old event, DeVaux reflected on her impact during the week when a young girl on the backstretch caught her eye.
“It really is an honor to be able to be that person for other women or other little girls to look up to,” DeVaux said. “You can dream big, and you can pivot. You can come from one place and make yourself a part of history.” She credited her resilience to growing up with seven brothers and two sisters, and thanked her husband for encouraging her to launch her own stable eight years earlier – her first Derby runner proving victorious.
DeVaux began her career 22 years ago as an exercise rider at Churchill Downs. “I didn’t believe,” she admitted. “I started my career here 22 years ago as a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed exercise rider. And I would not believe that I would be sitting up here today. Never in my life did I think I would.” Her preparation included addressing Golden Tempo’s cracked heels and experimenting with blinkers to sharpen his focus.
A Rivalry Resolved and Family Joy
The finish line drama featured a sibling showdown, as Jose Ortiz edged out his brother Irad aboard Renegade. Their parents watched from the stands, sharing in the electric moment. “I get to ride it almost every year, but to get to win it, it’s just special,” Jose Ortiz said. “I just wish my grandpa was here, but I know he’s looking from heaven. Just very happy that I get my goal, my life dream goal achieved.”
Ocelli jockey Tyler Gaffalione praised the top finishers after his own strong effort. “He gave me a really good run and proud of his effort,” Gaffalione noted. “We were just not able to get the job done but hats off to the winner and runner-up. They ran huge races.”
Trials Before the Triumph
The race proceeded with 18 horses after a chaotic week of scratches, including Great White, who flipped before the start and tossed jockey Alex Achard but emerged unharmed. Trainer John Ennis confirmed both were fine. Earlier withdrawals – Silent Tactic on Wednesday, Fulleffort on Thursday, Right to Party on Friday, and The Puma hours before post time due to a leg infection – shuffled the field, allowing Ocelli and others to enter.
Looking Ahead to Triple Crown Trail
The $5 million Run for the Roses victory sparked immediate talk of the Preakness Stakes on May 16, though DeVaux emphasized caution after recent Derby winners skipped the middle jewel. “We’re going to let him decide that,” she said. “We’re going to have to allow him to tell us, because the horse is first. We’re not here for ourselves. We’re not here for our egos. We’re here for the horse.”
DeVaux’s breakthrough not only cements her legacy but inspires a new generation in racing, particularly in Las Vegas, where sportsbooks buzzed with action on the longshot payout. Golden Tempo’s story reminds observers that perseverance and preparation can turn underdogs into champions.
