The 152nd Kentucky Derby is in the books, and it was one for the ages.
Cherie DeVaux trains Golden Tempo, the winning horse, who came furiously down the stretch from last place all the way win on Saturday, May 2 as 23-1 long shot.
Meanwhile, DeVaux became the first female trainer to ever capture the sport’s most iconic race, while also becoming just the second female trainer to claim victory at a Triple Crown event (Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes).
Barstool Sports shared video of the moment DeVaux and her team/family celebrated Golden Tempo crossing the finish line and completing the comeback.
“The moment Cheri DeVaux became the first female trainer to ever win the Derby,” Barstool’s X account captioned the reel, which originated from America’sBestRacing.
An ecstatic, and nearly speechless, DeVaux spoke with reporters following the win.
“I don’t even have any words right now. So, so happy for Golden Tempo,” she said. “Jose [L. Ortiz] did a wonderful, masterful job. He had so much faith in this horse.”
“I’m glad I can be a representative for all women, that we can do anything we put our minds to,” DeVaux continued.
Golden Tempo Offers Bettors Strong Payout, Earned Owners $3.1 Million
GettyDaisy Phipps Pulito, co-owner of 2026 Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo, hoists the trophy after the horse’s victory at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Golden Tempo was a strong wining ticket, paying out a total of $48.24 on a bet to win, $19.14 on a wager to place, and $11.90 to show.
Following Golden Tempo in second was Renegade. Ocelli finished in third as a 70-1 long shot, while Chief Wallabee rounded out the top four.
The purse was $5 million this year, with Golden Tempo owners Daisy Phipps Pulito of Phipps Stable and Vincent Viola of St. Elias Stable splitting the $3.1 million prize for claiming first place at the event.
Golden Tempo’s Immediate Future, Chance to Win Triple Crown Yet Undecided
GettyGolden Tempo won the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby as a 23-1 long shot on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Whether Golden Tempo will run at the Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland two weeks from today on Saturday, May 16 remains undecided.
“I don’t know yet,” Pulito said of the horse’s participation in the Preakness. “We are gonna have to see how he comes out of the race and talk to Cherie and discuss that.”
Sovereignty, which won the Kentucky Derby last season, skipped the Preakness before running in, and winning, the Belmont Stakes in 2025.
Belmont is the third leg of the Triple Crown. It is staged at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. It will be held on Saturday, June 6 this year.
If Golden Tempo’s team decides to run the horse in both the Preakness and the Belmont, it will have the opportunity to become just the 14th Kentucky Derby winner in the history of the Triple Crown to capture all three events.
Most recently, the horse Justify won the Triple Crown. That was accomplished eight years ago during the 2018 season.
Golden Tempo Trainer Cherie DeVaux Makes Kentucky Derby History, Video Captures Landmark Moment