History was made at the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
For the first time ever, a horse by a female trainer took the first leg of the Triple Crown, as Golden Tempo overcame the odds and came through with an unlikely victory on Saturday.
That historic honor goes to Cherie DeVaux, who was in complete disbelief and utter joy when she witnessed Golden Tempo win “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports.”
Here is a video of DeVaux’s incredible reaction.
GOLDEN TEMPO wins the Kentucky Derby!!!
— America'sBestRacing (@ABRLive) May 2, 2026
Cherie DeVaux becomes the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby in its 152 year history.@reredevaux | @jose93_ortiz pic.twitter.com/T8idZtUQzD
Golden Tempo had odds of 23-1 to win the 1 1/8-mile race, but the 3-year-old colt made sure everyone who wagered on it got paid. DeVaux’s horse was in last place during the early phase of the race before gaining ground and passing each of the other entries with a blistering pace.
GOLDEN TEMPO WENT FROM LAST TO FIRST IN THE KENTUCKY DERBY
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) May 2, 2026
THIS IS WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT!!! pic.twitter.com/enkNcqthcj
Credit should also be given to Golden Tempo’s jockey, Jose Ortiz, who has now won all Triple Crown races in his career. He guided Tapwrit to a Belmont Stakes win in 2017 and Early Voting to success in the 2022 edition of the Preakness Stakes.
But it’s a bigger day for DeVaux, as she further cemented her place in a male-dominated world of horse racing. She started her own stable in 2018 after spending several years as an assistant trainer to top trainers Chuck Simon and Chad Brown.
Golden Tempo has shown in all five of its races, with two graded stakes wins, including its historic triumph at Churchill Downs.
