In a historic moment at Churchill Downs, Golden Tempo, a 23-1 longshot, claimed victory at the 152nd Kentucky Derby, with jockey Jose L. Ortiz guiding the horse to a narrow win over Renegade. This triumph marked a significant milestone for trainer Cherie DeVaux, who became the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner. The race was filled with suspense, culminating in a thrilling photo finish that cemented Golden Tempo's place in the annals of horse racing.
The race unfolded with dramatic turns. Renegade, initially the morning-line favorite and seeking to overcome a 40-year drought for horses starting from the inside gate, showed incredible resilience. Despite trailing by a significant margin midway through the event, under the skillful guidance of Irad Ortiz Jr., Renegade launched a powerful surge in the final stretch. However, Golden Tempo, ridden by Irad's brother, Jose Ortiz, displayed an even more formidable late burst, moving one lane wider to edge out Renegade right at the finish line.
Cherie DeVaux's groundbreaking achievement places her in an elite group alongside Jena Antonucci, who trained Arcangelo to victory in the 2023 Belmont Stakes. DeVaux's extensive experience, with 298 wins from 1,802 career starts, underscores her expertise and dedication to the sport. Golden Tempo's path to the Derby included a victory at the Lecomte Stakes and third-place finishes in both the Risen Star Stakes and the Louisiana Derby, all held at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans.
The atmosphere leading up to the race was not without its own drama. The start was delayed due to an incident involving Great White, who unseated his jockey and rolled over while approaching the starting gate. This led to Great White's last-minute withdrawal and necessitated a temporary evacuation and resetting of the starting gate, adding to the anticipation and excitement of the event. Despite the mishap, Great White appeared to be in good health as he was led off the track.
Golden Tempo completed the challenging 1-1/4 mile course in 2:02.27, returning a substantial payout to those who backed the longshot. The victory marked the opening leg of thoroughbred racing's coveted Triple Crown, with attention now turning to the Preakness Stakes. The next race, scheduled for Saturday, May 16, will take place at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland, as Baltimore's Pimlico Race Course undergoes significant renovations.
The 152nd Kentucky Derby will be remembered not only for Golden Tempo's unexpected victory but also for the historic achievement of Cherie DeVaux. Her success as the first female trainer to win this iconic race has inspired many, highlighting the growing diversity and talent within the sport of horse racing. The thrilling finish against Renegade, combined with the pre-race drama, ensured an unforgettable day at Churchill Downs.
