History was made at Churchill Downs on Saturday, and it wasn't just another chapter in the storied Kentucky Derby—it was a rewrite of the record books. Cherie DeVaux and José Ortiz teamed up with the longshot Golden Tempo to capture the 152nd running of the "Run for the Roses," producing a moment that horse racing fans will talk about for generations.
In a stunning worst-to-first performance, Golden Tempo stormed from the back of the pack to seize victory, but the real story was the barrier-breaking triumph of his trainer. Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer ever to win the Kentucky Derby, shattering a glass ceiling that had stood since the race's inception in 1875. While 18 women before her had saddled horses for the world's most famous race—starting with Mary Hirsch's "No Sir" in 1937, who finished 13th, and coming closest with Shelley Riley's runner-up finish by Casual Lies in 1992—none had reached the winner's circle until now.
"The racetrack is a tough place, and it doesn't care if you are a man or a woman," said DeVaux, who took out her trainer's license in 2018 and already had a Breeders' Cup Mile win under her belt with More Than Looks in 2024. "Being a woman or my gender has never really crossed my mind in this journey of mine. Not everyone has the same constitution as I have mentally. You can dream big and become a person that is a part of history. It is an honor for me to be that person other women and little girls can look up to."
For jockey José Ortiz, the win was equally historic. By piloting Golden Tempo to victory just two days after winning the Kentucky Oaks, Ortiz became only the ninth jockey in history to sweep both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby in the same year—a feat that cements his place among the sport's elite riders.
As the crowds at Churchill Downs roared and the garland of roses was draped over Golden Tempo, the message was clear: the future of horse racing is brighter—and more inclusive—than ever. Whether you're a lifelong racing fan or just discovering the sport, this Derby reminded us that greatness has no gender, and the next champion could come from anywhere.