History was made under the twin spires of Churchill Downs this weekend, and it’s a moment that will be remembered for generations. Cherie DeVaux became the first woman ever to train a Kentucky Derby winner as her long shot, Golden Tempo, stormed from the back of the pack to capture the Run for the Roses in dramatic fashion.
With a roaring crowd of over 100,000 looking on, Golden Tempo—ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz—charged down the stretch to edge past the favored Renegade just before the wire. The 23-1 shot covered the classic 1 ¼ miles in 2:02.27, delivering a victory that seemed almost scripted for the history books.
“I don’t even have any words right now,” DeVaux said, still catching her breath after the race. “Just so, so happy for Golden Tempo. Jose did a masterful job. He was so far out of it early, but he never gave up.”
DeVaux is only the second female trainer to win any Triple Crown race, following Jena Antonucci’s triumph with Arcangelo in the 2023 Belmont Stakes. What makes this achievement even more remarkable? DeVaux won the Derby in her very first attempt, just eight years after starting her own stable.
Throughout Derby week, DeVaux had been modest about the historic implications of a win. But after crossing the finish line first, she embraced her new role as a trailblazer. “I’m glad I can be a representative of all women everywhere,” she said. “We can do anything we set our minds to.” She’s just the 18th woman to saddle a horse in the Kentucky Derby—and now, the first to win it.
For jockey Jose Ortiz, the victory was equally sweet. It marked his first Derby win in 11 attempts, and it came less than 24 hours after he won the Kentucky Oaks, the premier race for 3-year-old fillies. With his parents watching from the stands, Ortiz delivered a ride that showcased the patience and skill that have made him a star at Churchill Downs.
“I get to ride in this race almost every year,” Ortiz said, his voice thick with emotion. “But to win it? It’s just special.”
Golden Tempo’s stunning rally and DeVaux’s historic milestone remind us why the Kentucky Derby remains the most thrilling two minutes in sports. Whether you’re a lifelong racing fan or just love a good underdog story, this is a victory that will inspire for years to come.