LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Golden Tempo stormed home from the back of the pack to win Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, making Cherie DeVaux the first woman to train a winner of the race that opens the Triple Crown.
Ridden by Jose Ortiz, Golden Tempo rallied late in the 1 1/8-mile classic to score at odds of 23-1. Renegade, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., finished second, and long shot Ocelli took third.
DeVaux, who started her own stable eight years ago and was saddling a Derby starter for the first time, said she was overwhelmed by the moment. She praised Ortiz’s ride and expressed gratitude for what the victory could mean for women in the sport.
She becomes the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby and only the second woman to train a winner in any Triple Crown race, following Jena Antonucci’s 2023 Belmont Stakes victory with Arcangelo. DeVaux is also just the 18th woman ever to saddle a horse in the Derby.
Ortiz, who has had strong results at Churchill Downs this meet, captured his first Kentucky Derby in his 11th attempt. His victory came less than 24 hours after he won the Kentucky Oaks aboard the top filly in that race.
The field ran with 18 horses after Great White was scratched late when track veterinarians removed the long shot following a flip that unseated his rider. Great White had been added to the lineup Wednesday when Silent Tactic was ruled out with a foot injury.
Golden Tempo’s rally from well off the pace and DeVaux’s historic training triumph dominated the headlines at Churchill Downs, marking a milestone moment for her career and for women in horse racing.