Cherie DeVaux has made history by becoming the first woman to win the Kentucky Derby, guiding Golden Tempo to victory as a 23 to 1 longshot. Jose Ortiz rode the colt, which rallied from behind to storm past the field at Churchill Downs. DeVaux, once an assistant trainer under Chad Brown, finally fulfilled a lifelong goal with the signature win.
Golden Tempo triumphed at the Kentucky Derby 2026 at Churchill Downs, delivering a staggering $3.1 million purse to the winner. Renegade earned $1 million, Ocelli received $500,000, fourth place took home $250,000, and fifth place got $150,000. The victory also marks a historic milestone for woman trainer Cherie DeVaux, capturing attention worldwide.
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