On May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs, history was made as Golden Tempo galloped across the finish line first, securing the victory in the Kentucky Derby. This win marked a pivotal moment as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to achieve this honor.
The atmosphere was electric. Fans filled the stands, their cheers echoing against the backdrop of a clear blue sky. As the horses lined up at the starting gate, anticipation hung thick in the air. The race began, and Golden Tempo surged ahead—his powerful stride cutting through the competition.
With a final time of 2:02.27, Golden Tempo crossed the finish line ahead of Renegade, who finished second with odds of 5-1. Ocelli took third place with an impressive showing at 70-1, while Chief Wallabee rounded out the top four at 7-1.
Payouts for this historic race included:
- Golden Tempo paid $48.24 to win.
- The exacta (19/1) paid $278.86.
- The trifecta (19/1/22) paid a staggering $5,625.39.
- The superfecta (19/1/22/12) reached an astonishing $94,489.95.
Cherie DeVaux reflected on her journey after the race, sharing, “In the summer of 2017, I was really at a crossroads in life.” Her determination and passion for horse racing have clearly paid off in this monumental achievement.
Daisy Phipps Pulito, part of DeVaux’s team, emphasized the familial aspect of their work: “It is a family sport for us.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the racing community—where tradition meets aspiration.
As fans and participants celebrate this groundbreaking victory for female trainers in horse racing, it’s clear that Golden Tempo’s triumph is more than just a win; it’s a signal of change and progress within an industry long dominated by men.
With this historic win under her belt, Cherie DeVaux sets a new standard for future generations of trainers—showing that passion and perseverance can break barriers.