In a breathtaking finish that will be remembered for generations, history was made at Churchill Downs as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby. Her horse, Golden Tempo, delivered a stunning performance, charging from dead last to claim victory by a neck in the 152nd edition of America's most prestigious horse race.
The 23-1 longshot, ridden by jockey Joe Ortiz, surged past the 4-1 favorite Renegade—ridden by Ortiz's own brother, Irad Ortiz Jr.—in a photo finish that had the crowd on its feet. Ocelli rounded out the top three in a race that showcased the very best of thoroughbred competition.
"Today's my day and Golden Tempo's day," said Joe Ortiz, who finally conquered the Derby after 11 attempts. "I want my brother to win the Derby too—I know it's his dream—but it happened this way. I think he should be happy; his horse ran a very good race."
The victory was especially sweet for DeVaux, who began her career at Churchill Downs 22 years ago as an exercise rider. "I started here with bright eyes and couldn't have imagined I'd be sitting here today," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "I'm so glad I can represent women everywhere."
Golden Tempo's journey to the winner's circle was nothing short of remarkable. Trailing the 18-horse field with half a mile to go in the 1.25-mile race, the colt seemed an unlikely contender. Renegade, meanwhile, was also playing catch-up from 15 lengths back, attempting to become the first horse to win from the inside gate in 40 years. The favorite stormed down the final stretch, looking like a sure winner—until Golden Tempo found another gear, edging past at the wire in a time of 2:02.27.
The win earned the owners $3.1 million in prize money and secured DeVaux's place in history alongside Jena Antonucci, who trained Arcangelo to victory in the 2023 Belmont Stakes. Together, they are the only female trainers to win a Triple Crown race in the United States.
Joe Ortiz also made his mark, becoming just the ninth jockey to win both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby in the same year, following his victory aboard Always A Runner on Friday. For DeVaux, who has saddled 298 winners in 1,802 career starts, the moment was almost too much to bear.
"In the summer of 2017, I was at a crossroads in life," she reflected. "My husband told me I owed it to myself to at least try. He had faith in me, saw what I didn't see, and believed in me." That belief paid off in the most spectacular way possible, cementing a legacy that will inspire horse racing fans—and aspiring trainers—for years to come.