Cherie DeVaux etched her name into the annals of horse racing history on Saturday, becoming the first woman to train the winner of the Kentucky Derby. Her charge, Golden Tempo, ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, stormed from the rear of the pack to seize victory in the 150th running of the iconic race at Churchill Downs.
A Historic Victory
Golden Tempo, a 23-1 long shot, covered the 1 1/4-mile distance in 2:02.27, overtaking the favorite Renegade just before the finish line. Renegade, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., settled for second, while long shot Ocelli finished third. The victory was witnessed by a crowd of over 100,000 spectators, who roared as Golden Tempo surged ahead.
DeVaux, who started her own stable eight years ago, won the Derby in her very first opportunity. She is only the second female trainer to win any Triple Crown race, following Jena Antonucci's victory with Arcangelo in the 2023 Belmont Stakes.
Emotional Reactions
An emotional DeVaux struggled to find words after the race. "I don't even have any words right now," she said. "I just can't. Just so, so, so happy for Golden Tempo. Jose did a wonderful job, a masterful job of getting him there. He was so far out of it."
Throughout the week leading up to the Derby, DeVaux had downplayed the significance of potentially becoming the first female trainer to win the race. However, after the victory, she embraced her role as a trailblazer. "I'm glad I can be a representative of all women everywhere that we can do anything we set our minds to do," she said.
Jose Ortiz's Triumph
Jose Ortiz, who has enjoyed tremendous success at Churchill Downs in recent years, won the Kentucky Derby for the first time in his 11th attempt. His victory came less than 24 hours after he won the Kentucky Oaks, the premier race for 3-year-old fillies. His parents were present to witness his remarkable ride.
"I get to ride it almost every year, but to get to win it, it's just special," Ortiz said. "I just wish my grandpa was here, but I know he's looking from heaven. Just very happy that I get my goal, my life dream goal achieved."
Race Day Challenges
The Kentucky Derby proceeded with only 18 horses after several late scratches. Great White was a late withdrawal after flipping and throwing his jockey, with track veterinarians making the call to scratch the long shot. He had only entered the field on Wednesday when Silent Tactic was ruled out due to a foot injury. The Puma was also scratched less than 12 hours before post time because of a swollen leg from a skin infection.
Great White became the fifth horse scratched this week and the second on Saturday. Silent Tactic was ruled out Wednesday, Fulleffort on Thursday, and Right to Party on Friday, with Great White, Ocelli, and Robusta taking their places.
