The 152nd Kentucky Derby delivered a historic moment that will echo through Churchill Downs for generations. In a breathtaking stretch drive, Golden Tempo surged from the pack to claim the roses, making trainer Cherie DeVaux the first female trainer to ever win America's most iconic horse race.

Ridden expertly by Jose Ortiz, the 23-1 longshot proved the oddsmakers wrong. Originally listed at 30-1 on the morning line, the son of Curlin and Carrumba found his rhythm at precisely the right moment. As the field turned for home, Golden Tempo unleashed a desperate charge down the front straight that left the crowd roaring.

The favorite Renegade fought valiantly to finish second, but a terrible rail position had him boxed in from the gate. It took a tremendous effort just to close within a neck of the winner. The real surprise came from Ocelli, a late alternate addition to the field who paid handsomely at 70-1 for his third-place showing.

For those who believed in the underdog, the payouts were staggering. A $2 win ticket on Golden Tempo returned $48.24, while the exacta combination of 19-1 paid $278.86. The superfecta hit for an eye-popping $94,489.95 on a $1 bet, proving that Derby day dreams really do come true.

The 2026 Kentucky Derby purse remained at its 2024 level, with the top five finishers sharing in the prize money. Jockeys typically earn 10 percent of the winner's share, while second and third-place riders take home five percent. But for Cherie DeVaux and the Golden Tempo team, this victory transcends any payout—it's a landmark moment in horse racing history that will be remembered for years to come.