Golden Tempo captured the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, propelling trainer Cherie DeVaux into the history books as the first woman to train a winner of the iconic race. The victory at Churchill Downs capped a dramatic day of racing, with Golden Tempo surging ahead in the final stretch to secure the win.
A Historic Achievement
Cherie DeVaux, 42, became the first female trainer to saddle a Kentucky Derby winner in the race's 152-year history. Overcome with emotion, DeVaux credited her team and the horse's resilience. 'This is a dream come true,' she said. 'Golden Tempo gave everything today.'
The Race
Golden Tempo, ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, broke from the starting gate as a 10-1 longshot. The colt settled mid-pack before making a powerful move on the far turn. In the homestretch, Golden Tempo overtook the frontrunner and held off a late charge from second-place finisher Storm Runner. The winning time was 2:02.34 for the mile-and-a-quarter distance.
Reaction from the Racing World
The victory sent shockwaves through the sport. 'This is a monumental moment for women in racing,' said Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert. 'Cherie has proven that talent knows no gender.' DeVaux, a native of France who began her career as an assistant trainer, has been a rising star in the industry. Her win is expected to inspire a new generation of female trainers.
Golden Tempo, a three-year-old colt owned by Westbrook Stables, now sets his sights on the Preakness Stakes in two weeks. DeVaux said she is considering the run but will evaluate the horse's condition first.
The Kentucky Derby, often called the 'Run for the Roses,' attracted a crowd of 155,000 spectators. Despite rainy conditions, the event went smoothly, with no major incidents reported.
