Summary (tl;dr)

Golden Tempo, a 23-1 longshot, won the 152nd Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2, 2026, marking a historic achievement as his trainer, Cherie DeVaux, became the first woman to ever train a Kentucky Derby winner, and jockey Jose Ortiz secured his first Derby victory.

Essential Background

The Kentucky Derby is an annual Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds held in Louisville, Kentucky, and is the first leg of the American Triple Crown. It is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world, with a rich history dating back to 1875. Prior to this year, no woman had ever trained a Kentucky Derby winner in the race's 151 previous runnings, making it a significant barrier in the sport.

The Full Story

On Saturday, May 2, 2026, Golden Tempo, a horse with 23-1 odds, dramatically won the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Trained by Cherie DeVaux, Golden Tempo charged from near the back of the 18-horse field in a furious late rally to cross the finish line by a neck over Renegade, ridden by Jose Ortiz's brother, Irad Ortiz Jr. This victory was monumental for DeVaux, who became the first female trainer in history to win the Kentucky Derby. Jockey Jose Ortiz also achieved a career milestone, earning his first Kentucky Derby win in his eleventh attempt. He had a remarkable weekend, also winning the Kentucky Oaks the previous day, making him the ninth jockey to win both signature races in the same year. Golden Tempo is owned by a joint partnership between Phipps Stable, whose principal is Daisy Phipps Pulito, and St. Elias Stable, led by Vincent Viola.

Why It Matters

The win by Golden Tempo is significant not only for its dramatic come-from-behind nature but primarily for shattering a long-standing gender barrier in horse racing with Cherie DeVaux's historic victory. Her accomplishment serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that women can achieve the highest levels in traditionally male-dominated sports. The victory for jockey Jose Ortiz also highlights a personal triumph after numerous attempts and adds another exciting chapter to the legacy of the Ortiz brothers in racing. Furthermore, Golden Tempo's win as a longshot provided substantial payouts for bettors, adding to the excitement and unpredictability that the Kentucky Derby is famous for.

Geographic Location

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