Golden Tempo defied 23-1 odds to win the 152nd Kentucky Derby, making history as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to secure a victory in the prestigious race, according to Spectrum Noticias. The horse’s dramatic win. From last to first. Was capped by a photo finish with Renegade, and marked a breakthrough moment for female representation in horse racing.

Golden Tempo’s Dramatic Come-From-Behind Win

In a stunning turn of events, Golden Tempo surged from dead last to first in the final stretch of the Kentucky Derby, according to Mi Diario. Jockey José Ortiz maneuvered the horse through a narrow gap, securing a narrow victory by a nose in a time of 2:02.27. Ortiz, who won the race on his 11th attempt, bested his brother Irad Ortiz Jr., who rode the second-place finisher, Renegade.

“Golden Tempo just delivered one of the greatest and most historic Kentucky Derby finishes we will ever see,” one Twitter post noted. The win was described as “harsh” and “unforgettable,” with Ortiz credited for a “masterful job of getting him there,” according to Spectrum Noticias.

Cherie DeVaux Makes History

DeVaux, 44, became the first woman ever to train a Kentucky Derby winner, according to Spectrum Noticias. Her victory in the 1 1/8-mile race came after eight years of running her own stable. She joins Jena Antonucci, the only other woman to have won a Triple Crown race, who triumphed with Arcangelo in the 2023 Belmont Stakes.

DeVaux’s win is also notable because it was the first time since 2021 that a woman had trained a horse in the Derby. The last was Vicki Oliver with Hidden Stash. “I’m glad I can be a representative of all women everywhere that we can do anything we set our minds to,” DeVaux said, according to Spectrum Noticias.

During the week leading up to the race, DeVaux shifted from downplaying the significance of being a woman in the spotlight to recognizing her role as a trailblazer for young girls in the sport. “I just can’t. Just so, so so happy for Golden Tempo. José did a wonderful job,” she said after the race.

Historic Implications and Public Reaction

DeVaux’s victory has been described as a “novel moment in horse racing,” according to 재경일보. Her achievement highlights the broader trend of increasing diversity and inclusion in the sport. Ortiz, who also won the Kentucky Oaks on Friday with Always a Runner, showcased his skill in the Derby, further cementing his reputation at Churchill Downs.

Public reaction was enthusiastic, with one social media post showing DeVaux celebrating by holding a baby. “Babies are burdens, they’re blessings,” the caption read. The image captured the emotional weight of the moment, blending personal and professional milestones.

Only 18 horses started the race after Great White was scratched for flipping and throwing its jockey, Alex Achard, according to Spectrum Noticias. This marked the first time since 2021 that a woman had trained a Derby entrant and the first time a woman had won the race.