Golden Tempo Wins 2026 Kentucky Derby, Cherie DeVaux Makes History in Churchill Down Race
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — Golden Tempo stormed from the back of the field to win the 2026 Kentucky Derby at 152nd Run Of the Roses of the iconic race at Churchill Downs, beating Renegade by a neck to take home the race title.
Golden Tempo carried 25-1 odds into the race. The horse's trainer, Cherie DeVaux, becomes the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby.
The 3-year-old colt, ridden by Jose L. Ortiz and trained by Cherie DeVaux, edged out Renegade by a neck in a dramatic finish, stopping the clock in 2:02.27 over 1¼ miles on a fast track and delivering a $48.24 payout on a $2 win bet.
The victory earned connections a massive $3,100,000 from the $5 million purse, confirming Golden Tempo as the current Kentucky Derby winner and one of the most talked-about horses in global racing.
For DeVaux, the win was historic.
She became the first female trainer to ever win the Kentucky Derby, answering a question that had followed women in racing for nearly a century. From Mary Hirsch in 1937 to more recent contenders, no woman had managed to break through—until now.
DeVaux, who began her career more than two decades ago and previously worked under top trainers before going out on her own, described the moment as surreal, marking a defining milestone not only in American racing but for the sport worldwide.
Golden Tempo, owned by Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable, showcased both pedigree and determination. A son of Curlin, the colt had already shown promise but elevated his reputation with this performance. After settling near the rear early, jockey Jose Ortiz carefully tracked the pace, which was set by Six Speed through brisk fractions.
Renegade, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., launched a strong bid, while Ocelli surged into contention, but it was Golden Tempo who produced the most explosive late run, overtaking rivals in the final strides to secure victory.
The Kentucky Derby prize money totaled $5 million, with $3.1 million awarded to the winner, while the betting payout added to the excitement for fans and bettors alike. Renegade finished second, with Ocelli completing the top three, in a race that featured 18 starters after several late scratches.
The 152nd Kentucky Derby went on with just 18 horses following a scary incident before the race. Great White was a late scratch by track veterinarians after flipping and throwing his jockey.
Great White’s trainer, John Ennis, confirmed to The Associated Press that the big gray gelding and jockey Alex Achard were fine.
Great White became the fifth horse scratched this week and the second Saturday. Silent Tactic was ruled out Wednesday, Fulleffort on Thursday and Right to Party on Friday, with Great White, Ocelli and Robusta getting in. The Puma was out, less than 12 hours before post time, because of a swollen leg from a skin infection, but it was too late to replace him.
Is Kentucky Derby Winner Golden Tempo running in the 2026 Preakness Stakes on May 16?
❓Kentucky Derby 2026 Key Questions Answered (FAQ)
Which horses has been scratched from 2026 Kentucky Derby?
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