Golden Tempo powered to victory in the 152nd Kentucky Derby on Saturday, crowning trainer Cherie DeVaux as the first woman to win the opening leg of the Triple Crown at Churchill Downs in Louisville. The horse surged down the stretch to claim the 1 1/8-mile classic.
Renegade finished a close second, while long-shot Ocelli, who started at 70-1 odds, secured third place. The field raced with 18 horses after Great White suffered a late scratch when it flipped and unseated its jockey.
DeVaux Breaks Barriers
DeVaux marks the second female trainer to conquer a Triple Crown race, following Jena Antonucci’s triumph with Arcangelo in the 2023 Belmont Stakes. She achieved this milestone in her debut Kentucky Derby entry, just eight years after launching her own stable.
“I’m glad I can be representative of women everywhere. We can do anything we set our minds to,” DeVaux stated in a post-race interview.
DeVaux initially downplayed the historic aspect during the week but later embraced her influence as a role model for aspiring female jockeys and trainers. She becomes the 18th woman to saddle a horse in the Kentucky Derby.
Ortiz Brothers’ Derby Duel
Jockey Jose Ortiz showcased his Churchill Downs expertise, notching his first Kentucky Derby win on his 11th attempt. He outdueled his brother Irad Ortiz Jr., who guided Renegade to second.
“I want him to win the Derby, of course,” Jose Ortiz said post-race. “I know it’s his dream as well. But it happened that way. I think he should be happy. His horse ran a very good race. He’s a very nice horse. Today’s my day and Golden Tempo’s day.”
