On May 2, 2026, Golden Tempo won the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, marking a historic moment for horse racing. Cherie DeVaux made history as the first female trainer to achieve this prestigious victory. The atmosphere at Churchill Downs was electric, filled with anticipation as spectators awaited the race.
The race unfolded with Golden Tempo starting at odds of 23-1. As the horses thundered down the track, jockey Jose Ortiz expertly guided Golden Tempo through the pack. With a finishing time of 2:02.27, Golden Tempo surged to victory, leaving competitors in awe.
Renegade followed closely behind, securing second place with odds of 5-1. Ocelli and Chief Wallabee rounded out the top four finishers, with Ocelli at an impressive 70-1 and Chief Wallabee at 7-1. This outcome surprised many bettors and fans alike.
The payouts from this historic race were substantial. Golden Tempo’s win paid $48.24, while the exacta (19/1) returned $278.86. For those who bet on the trifecta (19/1/22), the payout reached an astonishing $5,625.39. The superfecta (19/1/22/12) offered an incredible payout of $94,489.95.
Cherie DeVaux reflected on her journey in horse racing, stating, “In the summer of 2017, I was really at a crossroads in life.” Her determination and passion for training horses have now culminated in this remarkable achievement.
Daisy Phipps Pulito commented on the significance of family involvement in horse racing: “It is a family sport for us.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the community of trainers and jockeys who dedicate their lives to this sport.
This triumph not only highlights Golden Tempo’s exceptional performance but also paves the way for future female trainers in a traditionally male-dominated field. As more women break barriers in sports like horse racing, it inspires countless others to pursue their dreams.