Updated on: May 2, 2026 / 8:13 PM EDT / CBS/AP
Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner on Saturday as Golden Tempo surged from the back of the pack to win the 152nd running at Churchill Downs.
DeVaux is the second female trainer to win any Triple Crown race, after Jena Antonucci’s 2023 Belmont Stakes victory with Arcangelo. She claimed the Derby in her first opportunity, eight years after starting her own stable.
Ridden by Jose Ortiz before a crowd of more than 100,000, Golden Tempo passed favorite Renegade just before the wire to win the 1 1/4-mile race in 2:02.27 at odds of 23-1. Renegade, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., finished second, and long shot Ocelli was third.
“I don’t even have any words right now,” DeVaux said. “I just can’t. Just so, so, so happy for Golden Tempo. Jose did a wonderful job, a masterful job of getting him there. He was so far out of it.”
DeVaux had downplayed the possibility of making history earlier in the week but later acknowledged the role-model aspect of her achievement. She is only the 18th woman to saddle a horse in the Kentucky Derby. “I’m glad I can be a representative of all women everywhere that we can do anything we set our minds do,” she said.
According to CBS Sports, the Derby had a $5 million purse this year, with the winner taking home $3.1 million. Owners typically receive about 80% of the winnings, while the jockey and trainer split the remaining share.
Ortiz earned his first Kentucky Derby victory in his 11th attempt, less than 24 hours after also winning the Kentucky Oaks. “I get to ride it almost every year, but to get to win it, it’s just special,” Ortiz said. “I just wish my grandpa was here, but I know he’s looking from heaven. Just very happy that I get my goal, my life dream goal achieved.”
The Derby ran with 18 horses after Great White was a late scratch Saturday following a flip that unseated his jockey. Great White had been added to the field Wednesday when Silent Tactic was scratched because of a foot injury. The Puma was withdrawn less than 12 hours before post time due to a swollen leg from a skin infection.
Great White was the fifth horse scratched during Derby week. Silent Tactic was ruled out Wednesday, Fulleffort on Thursday and Right to Party on Friday; Great White, Ocelli and Robusta were admitted to the field.
The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. The most recent Triple Crown winner was Justify in 2018.