In a historic moment for horse racing, Cherie DeVaux shattered the glass ceiling at Churchill Downs on Saturday, becoming the first female trainer to saddle a Kentucky Derby winner. Her 23-1 long shot, Golden Tempo, delivered a breathtaking stretch run that will be remembered for generations.

Ridden masterfully by Jose Ortiz, Golden Tempo came from the back of the pack to storm past favorite Renegade just before the wire, completing the 1 1/4-mile classic in 2:02.27. The victory came before a roaring crowd of more than 100,000 spectators, with Renegade (ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr.) finishing second and long shot Ocelli taking third.

DeVaux, who started her own stable just eight years ago, captured the Run for the Roses in her very first attempt. She now joins Jena Antonucci (2023 Belmont Stakes) as only the second female trainer to win a Triple Crown race, and just the 18th woman ever to saddle a horse in the Kentucky Derby.

"I don't even have any words right now," an emotional DeVaux said. "Jose did a wonderful job, a masterful job of getting him there. He was so far out of it." Throughout the week, DeVaux shifted from downplaying the significance of a potential win to embracing her role as a trailblazer. "I'm glad I can be a representative of all women everywhere that we can do anything we set our minds to," she added.

For Ortiz, the victory was the culmination of a lifelong dream. The veteran jockey, who also won the Kentucky Oaks just 24 hours earlier, finally captured the Derby in his 11th attempt. "I get to ride it almost every year, but to get to win it, it's just special," Ortiz said, dedicating the win to his late grandfather. His proud parents were in attendance to witness the historic ride.

The race went on with a reduced field of 18 after Great White was scratched following a pre-race incident that unseated his jockey. But the drama only added to the story of a historic day at the track—one that saw a pioneer make history and a long shot prove that with the right team, anything is possible.