In a historic moment at Churchill Downs, Golden Tempo thundered down the stretch to capture the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, etching trainer Cherie DeVaux's name into the record books as the first woman to saddle the winner of the prestigious Triple Crown opener.

The 1 1/8-mile classic saw Golden Tempo surge past the competition, with Renegade finishing second and long shot Ocelli rounding out the top three. For DeVaux, this victory in her very first Derby start marks a monumental achievement, coming just eight years after she launched her own stable.

DeVaux joins an exclusive club of female trainers who have conquered Triple Crown races, following Jena Antonucci's triumph with Arcangelo in the 2023 Belmont Stakes. Throughout Derby week, DeVaux's demeanor shifted from modestly downplaying the historic implications to embracing her role as a trailblazer—a beacon for young girls dreaming of following in her footsteps. She becomes only the 18th woman ever to saddle a horse in the Kentucky Derby.

Jockey Jose Ortiz delivered a masterful ride, showcasing the skill that has made him a Churchill Downs standout, finally winning the Derby on his 11th attempt. The victory carried added family drama, as he bested his brother Irad, who rode runner-up Renegade.

The race proceeded with a reduced field of 18 after Great White was scratched late for flipping and unseating his jockey, but nothing could dim the brilliance of Golden Tempo's run—or the history DeVaux made under the Twin Spires.