Golden Tempo Wins 2026 Kentucky Derby, DeVaux Becomes First Female Trainer to Secure Victory
Golden Tempo clinched the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, marking a historic win for trainer Cherie DeVaux as the first woman to achieve this feat.
Golden Tempo emerged victorious in the 152nd Kentucky Derby held on May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. This win is particularly notable as it marks the first time a female trainer, Cherie DeVaux, has secured a victory in the Derby's history.
The race featured a full field of 20 horses. Renegade, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., was the pre-race favorite with 4-1 odds. However, Golden Tempo, starting from the 19th post position, defied expectations to claim the win.
The Kentucky Derby, often referred to as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," is the first leg of the Triple Crown series, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. This year's Derby continued its tradition at Churchill Downs, where it has been held annually since 1875.
The victory by Golden Tempo not only adds a new chapter to the storied history of the Kentucky Derby but also signifies a milestone in the sport, highlighting the evolving landscape of horse racing.