May 25, 2026 by Olivia Howe (‘26)
The 152nd Kentucky Derby proved to be more than America’s most revered horse race this year, as trainer Cherie DeVaux made racing history as the first woman ever to train a horse that would win this high-stakes race. Golden Tempo, a chestnut colt with 23-1 odds, was able to race to the front of the pack of 18 horses in a time of 2:02:27 with jockey Jose Ortiz to win the trophy.
Golden Tempo began the race at the back of the field until the far turn of the track, when Ortiz saw an opening in the crowd and took the chance to move up. Golden Tempo responded soundly, and the pair were able to surge ahead to clip Renegade (5-1 odds) “by a nose” at the end of the race. The third-place spot was won by Ocelli (75-1 odds), another horse with unusual odds that was also able to finish with a top qualifying position. According to Kentucky Derby Updates and USA TODAY, Golden Tempo’s win became a significant moment in racing history, joining together an unlikely underdog with resilience and a monumental triumph.
The Kentucky Derby dates back to 1875 and stands as the first of three races in the tradition of the Triple Crown stakes. This 2026 finish was an emotional one for both jockey and trainer, as they both had unforgettable moments during the race. Ortiz finished alongside his brother Irad Ortiz to win his first Kentucky Derby out of 11 times running it. They have both ridden racehorses since 2012, and it was special to see them this close in such a high-stakes race.
DeVaux also commented on the victory regarding her experiences as a trainer and her place in racing fame, stating, “I don’t even have any words right now… I’m just glad that I could be a representative of all women everywhere, that we can do anything we set our minds to.”
2026 racing is here with an exciting start, and America is eagerly waiting to see where the next few races take us.
Who won 2026 Kentucky Derby? Golden Tempo, Cherie DeVaux make history Kentucky Derby 2026 Results: Full Finishing Order, Payouts and Race Recap