On May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs, Golden Tempo triumphed in the Kentucky Derby, marking a historic moment for both the horse and its trainer, Cherie DeVaux, who became the first female trainer to achieve this milestone in the event’s long history.
The race unfolded under clear skies and drew a large crowd eager to witness the prestigious event. As the horses lined up for the start, anticipation filled the air. Golden Tempo, with odds of 23-1, was not among the favorites but quickly proved its worth on the track.
As the race progressed, Golden Tempo maintained a strong position, ultimately finishing with a time of 2:02.27. Renegade followed closely behind, finishing second with odds of 5-1, while Ocelli claimed third place at an impressive 70-1. Chief Wallabee rounded out the top four finishers at odds of 7-1.
Payouts for this historic race included:
- Golden Tempo paid $48.24 to win.
- The exacta (19/1) paid $278.86.
- The trifecta (19/1/22) paid $5,625.39.
- The superfecta (19/1/22/12) paid $94,489.95.
DeVaux reflected on her journey to this victory, stating that in the summer of 2017 she faced a crossroads in her life—her determination has now culminated in this groundbreaking achievement. Daisy Phipps Pulito also shared sentiments about horse racing being a family sport, highlighting its deep-rooted connections within communities.
While Great White was scratched late from the race due to undisclosed reasons, Golden Tempo’s victory has sparked discussions about representation in horse racing and could inspire future generations of female trainers and jockeys.
This landmark win not only signifies a personal triumph for DeVaux but may also influence how future races are approached regarding gender diversity and inclusivity within the sport.
