The 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs came to a dramatic result when Golden Tempo was the first horse across the finish line.
Here are the biggest surprises and shocks from this year’s Kentucky Derby on Saturday May 2, 2026.
Great White Was Scratched On the Way to the Kentucky Derby Starting Gate
GettyLOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – APRIL 27: Horses train beneath the Twin Spires during morning workouts ahead of the running of the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 27, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Only 18 horses ended up racing in the 152nd Kentucky Derby after Great White stumbled on the way to the starting gate and the vets on site at Churchill Downs scratched the horse from the competition just moments before the derby commenced. The last minute exit from the competition was described by commentators on NBC as being a devastating moment of loss for jockey Alex Achard.
Golden Tempo’s Trainer, Cherie DeVaux, is the First Female Trainer to Win the Kentucky Derby
GettyLOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – MAY 02: Cherie DeVaux trainer of Golden Tempo #19 celebrates after becoming the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby during the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 02, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Trainer Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby when the horse she trained, Golden Tempo, crossed the finish line ahead of the rest of the competition. After the derby, DeVaux gave her first remarks after the win. She credited her husband as being her biggest supporter and encouraging her to continue her pursuits in horse racing when things became difficult during her journey to her Kentucky Derby win.
Only 18 Horses & Jockeys Competed in the 152nd Kentucky Derby Race at the Starting Gate
GettyAttendees wear colorful hats as they attend a preview day event ahead of the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by LEANDRO LOZADA / AFP) (Photo by LEANDRO LOZADA/AFP via Getty Images)
The 2026 edition of the Kentucky Derby was planned to showcase 22 elite horses and talented jockeys, but ultimately only 18 horse-jockey pairs ended up racing from the starting gates after Great White’s last minute scratch from the lineup.
Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Rumored to Have a Stake in the Ownership of The Puma
GettySUNRISE, FLORIDA – JUNE 12: Travis Kelce, left, and Taylor Swift react as the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers play during the first period in Game Four of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 12, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
An even more shocking moment from this year’s Kentucky Derby came with the speculation over The Puma’s ownership, with rumors circulating across social media and prospective theories gaining traction that Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift have a 10% stake in the horse’s ownership.
The Biggest Surprises at the 2026 Kentucky Derby