Updated May 2, 2026 — Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner when Golden Tempo rallied from the back of the pack to capture the 152nd running at Churchill Downs.
DeVaux, who opened her own stable eight years ago, is the second female trainer to win any Triple Crown race after Jena Antonucci’s 2023 Belmont victory with Arcangelo. She had downplayed the idea of making history earlier in the week but acknowledged afterward that the accomplishment carries weight as an example for other women in the sport.
Ridden by Jose Ortiz before a crowd of more than 100,000, Golden Tempo charged past favorite Renegade in the final strides to take the 1 1/4-mile race in 2:02.27 at odds of 23-1. Renegade, with Irad Ortiz Jr. up, finished second, and long shot Ocelli completed the podium in third.
Ortiz earned his first Kentucky Derby win in his 11th try, adding to a remarkable run that included a Kentucky Oaks victory less than 24 hours earlier. He described the moment as the fulfillment of a lifelong dream and paid tribute to family watching from afar.
The Derby carried a $5 million purse this year, with the winner’s share listed at $3.1 million. Typically owners receive about 80 percent of the prize, with the jockey and trainer splitting the remaining portion.
The field ran with 18 starters after a late change Saturday. Great White was scratched after a flip that unseated his jockey; that horse had been added to the field Wednesday when Silent Tactic was ruled out because of a foot injury. The Puma was also withdrawn less than 12 hours before post time due to a swollen leg caused by a skin infection. Great White was the fifth scratch of Derby week, joining Silent Tactic, Fulleffort and Right to Party; meanwhile Great White, Ocelli and Robusta had been among horses admitted into the field during the week.
The Kentucky Derby is the opening leg of the Triple Crown, to be followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. The most recent Triple Crown winner remains Justify in 2018.