Summary (tl;dr)

Golden Tempo, a 23-1 longshot, has won the 2026 Kentucky Derby, making history as trainer Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to ever train a Derby winner. Jockey Jose Ortiz piloted Golden Tempo to victory in the 152nd running of the race.

Essential Background

The Kentucky Derby is the first and most famous leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Historically, no female trainer had ever won the prestigious race in its 152-year history. Jockey Jose Ortiz, who rode Golden Tempo, is a highly decorated jockey who has previously won the Belmont Stakes and Preakness Stakes, making the Kentucky Derby his third Triple Crown race win.

The Full Story

Golden Tempo, co-owned by Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable, triumphed in the 152nd Kentucky Derby after rallying from last place to narrowly defeat Renegade by a neck in a thrilling finish. The victory was a historic moment for trainer Cherie DeVaux, who became the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner. DeVaux's win comes after previously capturing the Kentucky Oaks, marking her a pioneer in the sport. Jose Ortiz, who also won the Kentucky Oaks the day prior, delivered a masterful ride aboard Golden Tempo, guiding the horse from the back of the 18-horse field. Golden Tempo, with 23-1 odds on race day, paid out $48.24 for a $2 win bet. The race also saw a pre-race delay due to a horse being scratched at the gate.

Why It Matters

This win holds immense significance as it shatters a long-standing barrier in horse racing, celebrating Cherie DeVaux's groundbreaking achievement as the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby. This historic moment is expected to inspire women in sports and beyond. The victory by a 23-1 longshot also adds to the allure and unpredictability of the "Run for the Roses," generating considerable interest in payouts and the horse's prospects for the remaining Triple Crown races. Jose Ortiz's win further solidifies his status as an elite jockey, having now secured victories in all three Triple Crown races.

Geographic Location

• Churchill Downs, Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky, United States (152nd Kentucky Derby race)