Golden Tempo rally makes Cherie DeVaux first female trainer to win Kentucky Derby

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Golden Tempo rally makes Cherie DeVaux first female trainer to win Kentucky Derby

Golden Tempo rally makes Cherie DeVaux first female trainer to win Kentucky Derby

Golden Tempo rallied deep in the pack to win the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, making Cherie DeVaux the first female trainer to win the big race.

Golden Tempo rally makes Cherie DeVaux first female trainer to win Kentucky Derby

Golden Tempo rallied deep in the pack to win the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, making Cherie DeVaux the first female trainer to win the big race.

History was made under the Twin Spires on Saturday as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, guiding Golden Tempo to a dramatic come-from-behind victory at Churchill Downs.

Golden Tempo, a 23-1 longshot, stormed from deep in the pack to overtake Renegade in the final strides, covering the classic 1 1/4 miles in 2:02.27. The win paid a handsome $48.24 for every $2 wagered.

"I don't even have any words right now," an emotional DeVaux told NBC after the race. "So, so, so happy for Golden Tempo. Jose (Ortiz) did a wonderful job, masterful job. He has had so much faith in this horse."

DeVaux, who has steadily built her reputation in the competitive world of thoroughbred racing, acknowledged the significance of her achievement. "I'm glad I could be representative of all women everywhere, that we can do anything we set our minds to," she said.

The victory was also a milestone for jockey Jose Ortiz, who captured his first Derby win just one day after winning the Kentucky Oaks aboard Always a Runner. "I'm glad I get my lifetime dream achieved," Ortiz said. The win was made even more poignant as his brother, Irad Ortiz Jr., rode runner-up Renegade.

Ocelli finished third, followed by Chief Wallabee in fourth and Danon Bourbon, who held the lead at midstretch, in fifth. Santa Anita Derby winner So Happy could only manage a ninth-place finish.

The race was not without drama before the gates even opened, as longshot Great White was scratched just before post time after bucking and falling over at the starting gate.

For fans of the sport, this Derby will be remembered not just for Golden Tempo's gritty rally, but for the glass ceiling shattered by DeVaux—a trainer who proved that in horse racing, as in life, determination knows no gender.

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