Cherie DeVaux Becomes First Female Trainer to Win 152nd Kentucky Derby at 23-1

3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jun 5

Golden Tempo’s last-to-first rally gave Cherie DeVaux a history-making Kentucky Derby victory in her first attempt, with the colt edging favorite Renegade by a neck in the final strides.
At 23-1 odds, Golden Tempo benefited from DeVaux’s long-built plan to keep him improving through the spring rather than peak early, then unleash his late kick over 1 1/4 miles.
José Ortiz steered the colt from far back along the rail before sweeping past his brother Irad Ortiz’s Renegade, capping one of the race’s wildest stretch runs.
The 44-year-old trainer, who launched her own stable in 2018 and topped $10 million in earnings in 2024, has since become a national figure while returning quickly to manage her barn.
DeVaux has already skipped the Preakness, ending any Triple Crown bid, and Golden Tempo is scheduled to run in Saturday’s Belmont Stakes.

Sources

Sports Illustrated11h ago

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

Newsday11h ago

Cherie DeVaux returns to familiar Saratoga for the Belmont after her historic Kentucky Derby - Newsday

KVUE.com11h ago

Cherie DeVaux returns to familiar Saratoga for the Belmont after her historic Kentucky Derby | kvue.com

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Can Golden Tempo prove his Derby win wasn't a fluke against favored rival Renegade in the upcoming Belmont Stakes?

Will Cherie DeVaux's historic victory truly change the male-dominated culture of horse racing, or is she just an exception?

152nd Kentucky Derby Report: Golden Tempo’s Stunning Comeback and Cherie DeVaux’s Barrier-Breaking Achievement

Overview

The 152nd Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2026, delivered a historic moment as Golden Tempo surged from last place to win by a neck, guided by jockey Jose Ortiz. This dramatic victory was even more significant because Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer ever to win the Derby. The race saw five horses scratched from the lineup, and Golden Tempo outfinished Renegade, with Ocelli, who entered from the also-eligible list, finishing third. DeVaux’s groundbreaking achievement marks a major milestone for women in horse racing, highlighting both her strategic skill and the shifting landscape of the sport.

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