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LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In a groundbreaking moment at the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, Golden Tempo clinched victory, making Cherie DeVaux the first female trainer to claim triumph in the inaugural event of the Triple Crown series.
In a thrilling finish, Golden Tempo surged ahead in the final stretch to secure a historic win for DeVaux in the prestigious 1 1/8-mile race. Renegade secured second place, while the long-shot contender Ocelli finished third.
This victory marks DeVaux as only the second woman to train a winner of any Triple Crown race, following Jena Antonucci’s success with Arcangelo at the 2023 Belmont Stakes. Impressively, DeVaux achieved this feat in her first Kentucky Derby attempt, eight years after establishing her own training stable.
Throughout the week leading up to the race, DeVaux evolved from modestly downplaying the significance of potentially being the first woman to train a Derby winner to embracing her role as an inspiration for aspiring female trainers. She joins an exclusive group, becoming just the 18th woman to enter a horse in the Kentucky Derby.
Jockey Jose Ortiz demonstrated exceptional skill, further solidifying his reputation at Churchill Downs by securing his first Derby victory in 11 attempts. He outpaced his brother Irad Ortiz Jr., who rode Renegade, adding a personal triumph to the day’s achievements.
The race went on with just 18 horses after Great White was a late scratch for flipping and throwing his jockey.
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