In a moment that perfectly capped off an unforgettable weekend at Churchill Downs, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg stepped up to honor two of horse racing's most influential women. During a ceremony at Metro Hall on May 11, he officially proclaimed the date as "Donna Barton Brothers Day" and named trainer Cherie DeVaux an "honorary citizen of Louisville."

The honors came on the heels of a historic 152nd Kentucky Derby that saw DeVaux make headlines as the first female trainer ever to win the Run for the Roses, guiding longshot Golden Tempo to a stunning victory. The race also marked the end of an era, as beloved NBC analyst Donna Barton Brothers called her final Derby after an incredible 26-year run covering America's most iconic horse race.

"It's a great day to honor two legends, two pioneers in the world of horse racing who just excelled on the world stage this past weekend and have done so much leading up to this weekend," Greenberg said. He praised both women as individuals who have "helped build the sport" and will help "lead it into the next generation."

Brothers' journey to broadcasting greatness began in the saddle. Following in her mother's footsteps, she spent 12 years as a jockey before retiring in 1998 as the nation's second-leading female rider by earnings. Her pivot to the broadcast booth was an unexpected challenge, but she rose to it with grace. Since then, she's collected major honors including the Jim McKay Award for Excellence in Broadcasting and recognition from Sports Illustrated as the best sideline reporter in the game. Through it all, she's remained a tireless advocate for both the racing industry and her adopted hometown of Louisville.

"When I bought my first home here in 1996, I claimed Louisville as my city," Brothers said during the ceremony. "Thank you for claiming me back."

Adding a special layer to the Derby story, Brothers had actually picked Golden Tempo as her predicted winner and walked alongside DeVaux before the race. "I know how hard Cherie has worked to get to this point, and I wanted to make sure that even though her horse was a long shot, that she was taken seriously," Brothers explained. "That was the main reason."

She emphasized that the victory meant more than just a win for women in the sport. With brothers Jose Ortiz aboard Golden Tempo and Irad Ortiz Jr. finishing second on Renegade, the race showcased the best of horse racing's family traditions and competitive spirit. "It felt like a win all the way around," Brothers said.

Mayor Greenberg summed up the significance of the moment: when Golden Tempo crossed the finish line first, it wasn't just a victory for one trainer—it was a landmark moment that signaled the sport's bright future.