Golden Tempo, ridden by Jose Ortiz, won the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, marking a historic achievement for trainer Cherie DeVaux, who became the first woman to train a winner of the opening leg of the Triple Crown, according to NPR. The 1 1/8-mile race saw Golden Tempo charge down the stretch from the back of the pack to win at odds of 23-1.

DeVaux’s Historic Win and Triple Crown Context

DeVaux, who started her own stable eight years ago, is just the second female trainer to win any Triple Crown race, following Jena Antonucci with Arcangelo in the 2023 Belmont Stakes. She won the Derby in her first opportunity, and she is just the 18th woman to saddle a horse in the Kentucky Derby.

“I don’t even have any words right now,” DeVaux said, expressing her disbelief and joy. “I just can’t. Just so, so, so happy for Golden Tempo. Jose did a wonderful job, a masterful job of getting him there. He was so far out of it.”

Jose Ortiz’s Dual Success and Race Logistics

Jockey Jose Ortiz, who guided Golden Tempo to victory, also won the Kentucky Oaks the night before, making it a historic 24-hour stretch for the jockey. Ortiz, who has had success at Churchill Downs in recent days, described Golden Tempo as lazy, according to the Denver Gazette.

The Kentucky Derby field was reduced to 18 horses after Great White was scratched for flipping and throwing its jockey. Track veterinarians made the decision, following the late inclusion of Ocelli after Silent Tactic was ruled out due to a foot injury.

DeVaux, who credits growing up with seven brothers for her resilience, downplayed Golden Tempo’s cracked heels as a nonfactor in the race. She had worked extensively to get the colt into form, using strategies like blinkers to help him focus.

Role Model and Future Aspirations

During the week leading up to the race, DeVaux transitioned from downplaying the significance of being the first woman to train a Derby winner to acknowledging her role as a trailblazer for girls interested in horse racing. “I’m glad I can be a representative of all women everywhere that we can do anything we set our minds to,” she said.

She also joked about the pressure of being “one and done,” but expressed her hope to repeat the success. “I’m just glad I don’t have to answer that question anymore,” she said shortly after the race.

Golden Tempo’s win was also notable for the Ortiz family. The second-place finisher, Renegade, was ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., Jose Ortiz’s brother. Ocelli, the long shot, came in third, rounding out the top three in the race.