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
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
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
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
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.