Golden Tempo delivered a thrilling Kentucky Derby win, while Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to train the winner of the event’s famed Triple Crown opener.
Golden Tempo charged down the stretch to win the Kentucky Derby, turning Saturday’s race into a landmark moment for Cherie DeVaux.
The victory made DeVaux the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner, a milestone that came in the opening leg of the Triple Crown. Golden Tempo finished first in the 1 1/8-mile race, with Renegade second and long shot Ocelli third.
For a sport that has often been defined by tradition, this kind of breakthrough reshapes what people believe is possible for the next generation.
DeVaux’s achievement also reflects how far women have come in elite thoroughbred racing.. She became only the second female trainer to win any Triple Crown race. following Jena Antonucci with Arcangelo in the 2023 Belmont Stakes.. DeVaux earned the Derby win on her first attempt eight years after launching her own stable.
In the days leading up to the race. DeVaux shifted her public approach. moving from minimizing the significance of being the first woman to train a Derby winner toward embracing the broader meaning.. Instead of treating the moment as a novelty. she framed it as inspiration. underscoring the role-model impact that success can have for girls who might someday pursue the same path.
That perspective matters beyond racing itself, because visibility in high-profile arenas can influence who feels welcome in demanding careers.
Jockey Jose Ortiz took the win for his first Kentucky Derby triumph at Churchill Downs, finishing atop the crowded field on his 11th try. He edged out Irad Ortiz, who rode Renegade, highlighting how tightly contested the finish was among riders with deep experience at the track.
The race also unfolded with a smaller-than-usual lineup after Great White was a late scratch. With 18 horses taking the gate, the outcome underscored how quickly momentum can shift once the field is set.
Ultimately, Golden Tempo’s win and DeVaux’s historic Derby breakthrough will likely be remembered not just for the finishing order, but for the cultural shift it signals in American sports.