History was made at Churchill Downs on Saturday as Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner, guiding Golden Tempo to a thrilling come-from-behind victory in the "Run for the Roses."
Golden Tempo, ridden by Jose Ortiz, surged from the back of the pack to overtake favorite Renegade just before the wire, completing the 1 1/4-mile classic in 2:02.27 at odds of 23-1. The crowd of over 100,000 roared as the long shot delivered one of the most memorable finishes in recent Derby history.
DeVaux joins an elite group of trailblazers in the sport. She is only the second female trainer to win a Triple Crown race, following Jena Antonucci's victory with Arcangelo in the 2023 Belmont Stakes. Remarkably, DeVaux accomplished the feat in her very first Derby start, just eight years after launching her own stable.
"I don't even have any words right now," DeVaux said after the race. "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."
The victory marked a significant milestone for women in horse racing. Throughout Derby week, DeVaux shifted from downplaying the historic implications to embracing her role as a trailblazer. She becomes just 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 to," DeVaux said.
For jockey Jose Ortiz, the win was a career-defining moment. He captured the Derby in his 11th attempt, coming less than 24 hours after winning the Kentucky Oaks, the premier race for 3-year-old fillies. His parents were in attendance to witness the remarkable achievement.
"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 life dream goal achieved."
Renegade, ridden by Jose's brother Irad Ortiz Jr., finished second, while long shot Ocelli rounded out the top three. The race featured 18 horses after Great White was scratched late following an incident in the paddock.