LOUISVILLE, Ky. — History was made at Churchill Downs Saturday when Golden Tempo crossed the finish line first in the Kentucky Derby, making trainer Cherie DeVaux the first woman ever to prepare the winner of thoroughbred racing’s most prestigious event.
Jockey Jose Ortiz guided Golden Tempo from dead last in the early stages to a stunning victory in the 1 1/8-mile contest, delivering at longshot odds of 23-1. Renegade finished second under Irad Ortiz Jr., while Ocelli rounded out the top three positions.
“I don’t even have any words right now,” DeVaux said. “I just cant. 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.”
DeVaux becomes only the second female trainer to capture any Triple Crown series race, following Jena Antonucci’s victory with Arcangelo in last year’s Belmont Stakes. This Derby triumph comes in DeVaux’s debut attempt at the race, eight years after establishing her own training operation.
“I’m glad I can be a representative of all women everywhere that we can do anything we set our minds do,” DeVaux said.
Throughout Derby week, DeVaux evolved from minimizing the significance of potentially becoming the first female Derby-winning trainer to embracing her position as an inspiration for young girls pursuing similar dreams. She joins an exclusive group as just the 18th woman to enter a horse in the Kentucky Derby.
Jose Ortiz demonstrated the exceptional skill that has brought him success at Churchill Downs recently, finally capturing his first Derby victory after 11 previous attempts. The triumph came less than a day after Ortiz also claimed the Kentucky Oaks, the premier race for three-year-old fillies.
The Derby field was reduced to 18 horses following a late withdrawal of Great White, who was removed after flipping over and unseating his rider. Track veterinarians decided to scratch the longshot, who had only earned a spot in the race Wednesday when Silent Tactic was withdrawn due to a hoof problem.
