Cherie DeVaux Makes History as First Female Trainer to Win Kentucky Derby with Golden Tempo

May 2, 2026
Cherie DeVaux Makes History as First Female Trainer to Win Kentucky Derby with Golden Tempo
  • Golden Tempo, trained by Cherie DeVaux, captured the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, marking the first time a female trainer has won the race.

  • Great White, a long shot, was scratched before post time after bucking and falling at the starting gate.

  • Ocelli finished third, Chief Wallabee fourth, Danon Bourbon fifth, and So Happy, last year’s Santa Anita Derby winner, finished ninth.

  • Golden Tempo, a 23-1 long shot, paid $48.24 on a $2 bet after completing 1 1/4 miles in 2:02.27.

  • Jockey Jose Ortiz rode Golden Tempo to his first Kentucky Derby victory, while his brother Irad Ortiz Jr. rode the runner-up Renegade.

  • The victory was celebrated as a historic milestone for women in racing, with DeVaux expressing pride in representing women everywhere and praising Jose Ortiz for his performance.

Summary based on 1 source


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