Golden Tempo wins 2026 Kentucky Derby, making history for female trainer

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Churchill Downs Incorporated officially announced Saturday that Golden Tempo won the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.

According to a release by Churchill Downs, more than 150,000 fans turned out to the event this year.

Golden Tempo, owned and bred by Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable, trained by Cherie DeVaux and ridden by Jose Ortiz, raced to the finish to win by a neck at 23-1 odds, the release says.

Sired by Curlin, Golden Tempo now has lifetime earnings of over $3.4 million. Cherie DeVaux made history as the first woman ever to train a Kentucky Derby winner. Jose Ortiz rode to victory in both the 152nd Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.

News 40 was on scene at the Derby this year to witness the history, capturing the moments leading up to the race.