The First Saturday in May: A Historic Triumph for Golden Tempo

If you walked into Churchill Downs this past Saturday, you could feel that certain kind of Kentucky magic in the air—the smell of mint juleps, the sea of extravagant hats, and that restless, buzzing energy that only comes with the "Run for the Roses." But by the time the dust settled on the 152nd Kentucky Derby, the history books hadn’t just added a new name; they had turned a brand-new page.

Golden Tempo, a 23-1 longshot who many bettors had overlooked, roared from the back of the pack to claim victory in one of the most emotional and historic finishes in the race’s long history.

While the horse’s late-charging speed was the story on the track, the real earthquake happened in the winner's circle. With this win, Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to ever win the Kentucky Derby. In a sport steeped in tradition (and sometimes a bit too much of it), DeVaux’s victory felt like a thunderclap, proving that the glass ceiling at Churchill Downs wasn't just cracked—it was shattered.

The Calm Before the Chaos

The lead-up to the 2026 Derby was anything but smooth. Horse racing fans know that the "Road to the Derby" is paved with uncertainty, but this year took it to another level. Five horses were scratched in the days leading up to the event, including the morning-line favorite, The Puma, who had to withdraw due to a foot infection.

The drama didn't stop there. Just as the field was loading into the gates, Great White reared up and threw his jockey, leading to a late scratch that left the field at 18 runners. The delay was agonizing for the fans and stressful for the horses, but it set the stage for a race where truly anything could happen.

A Family Affair on the Home Stretch

When the gates finally flew open, Golden Tempo was nowhere near the front. In fact, for the first three-quarters of the race, he was trailing near the very back. The pace was honest, but not blistering, and as the field rounded the final turn, it looked like the favorites might duel it out.

Then came the "Ortiz Show."

Jose Ortiz, riding Golden Tempo, found a seam and shifted his mount into an extra gear. At the same time, his brother, the legendary Irad Ortiz Jr., was making a massive move on Renegade (5-1). For a few heart-stopping seconds, it was brother against brother, surging toward the finish line.

In a finish that will be replayed for decades, Jose and Golden Tempo found just enough rhythm to edge out Renegade by a neck. Seeing the two brothers embrace on their horses immediately after the wire was a reminder of why we love this sport—it’s about more than just gambling; it’s about legacy.

The DeVaux Era Begins

The most poignant moment of the day, however, belonged to Cherie DeVaux. Watching her celebrate in the winner's circle, it was impossible not to feel the weight of the moment.

"I don't even have words right now," DeVaux said, her voice cracking with emotion. "I’m just so happy for Golden Tempo. Jose did a masterful job... I’m glad I can be a representative for women everywhere—that we can do anything we set our minds to."

DeVaux is only the second woman to win any Triple Crown race (following Jena Antonucci’s 2023 Belmont Stakes win), but the Derby is the "Big One." It’s the race that defines careers, and DeVaux, who started her own stable only eight years ago, has now reached the mountain top on her first try.

The Payouts: A Bettor's Dream (or Nightmare)

If you were brave enough to put your money on the longshots, Saturday was a very good day. Because Golden Tempo went off at 23-1, the payouts were massive:

Finish	Horse	Odds	Payout (Win)
1st	Golden Tempo	23-1	$48.24
2nd	Renegade	5-1	$7.14 (Place)
3rd	Ocelli	70-1	$36.34 (Show)

The real shocker was Ocelli, a massive 70-1 underdog who snagged third place. If you happened to play a Trifecta (picking the top three in order), you walked away with a staggering $5,625.39 on a $2 bet. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

Looking Ahead: The Triple Crown Trail

With the first leg of the Triple Crown in the books, all eyes now turn to the Preakness Stakes on May 16th.

Can Golden Tempo keep this momentum going? The horse showed incredible stamina and a "cool-headed" demeanor that serves well in the shorter, tighter turns of the Preakness. However, the field will likely be hunting him down now that he’s no longer the underdog.

Regardless of what happens in Baltimore or at the Belmont, the 2026 Kentucky Derby will be remembered for two things: a horse with a golden heart and a trainer who proved that history is always waiting to be rewritten.

Final 2026 Kentucky Derby Standings:

1. Golden Tempo (Jockey: Jose Ortiz / Trainer: Cherie DeVaux)

2. Renegade (Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.)

3. Ocelli (The 70-1 shocker)

4. Chief Wallabee

5. Danon Bourbon

It was a day for the dreamers. And as the sun set over the Twin Spires, it felt like the sport of kings had finally found a little more room for its queens.