Breaking the Grass Ceiling: Cherie DeVaux and Golden Tempo’s Historic Derby Triumph

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For 152 years, the walk to the Kentucky Derby Winner’s Circle has been one of the most exclusive journeys in sports—and one almost entirely reserved for men. On Saturday, under the twin spires of Churchill Downs, Cherie DeVaux didn’t just walk that path; she sprinted down it into the history books.

In a performance that defied both the odds and a century of tradition, DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the “Run for the Roses.” Her victory came courtesy of Golden Tempo, a chestnut underdog who turned a 23-1 longshot bid into a legendary “last-to-first” miracle.

The Masterstroke at 23-1

As the gates crashed open before a roaring crowd of over 100,000, Golden Tempo seemed to vanish. Ridden by Jose Ortiz, the colt broke slowly and settled into the very back of the 18-horse field. For the first mile, he was little more than a blur of silk at the tail of the pack, trailing significantly as the favorites set a blistering pace.

But as the field turned for home, the narrative shifted. Ortiz swung Golden Tempo to the outside, finding a clear lane as the leaders began to tire. With a breathtaking turn of foot, the colt picked off rivals one by one. In the final strides, it became a cinematic family duel: Jose Ortiz on the surging longshot versus his brother, Irad Ortiz Jr., aboard the co-favorite, Renegade.

With one final lunging effort, Golden Tempo stuck his nose in front at the wire, stopping the clock at 2:02.27. According to CBS Sports, this year’s Derby featured a record $5 million purse, with Golden Tempo’s win securing a $3.1 million payday. Typically, the owner takes 80% of those winnings, while the trainer and jockey split the remaining 20%.

“I Don’t Even Have Words”

In the chaotic aftermath, DeVaux was visibly moved by the magnitude of the moment.

“I don’t even have any words right now,” DeVaux said. “I just can’t. 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.”

The win is a staggering achievement for DeVaux, who started her own stable just eight years ago. She now joins Jena Antonucci (who won the 2023 Belmont Stakes) as the only women to ever train a Triple Crown race winner.

Standing as only the 18th woman to ever saddle a horse in the Derby, DeVaux embraced her new status as a pioneer. “I’m glad I can be a representative of all women everywhere that we can do anything we set our minds to,” she said.

“Cherie DeVaux is a hardworking individual

with a true passion for the sport. Her prominence has grown significantly in recent years, and she consistently does an excellent job,” said Danny Brewer, a Forbes contributor who has covered Thoroughbred racing since 2006.

A Dream Realized for Ortiz

For jockey Jose Ortiz, the victory was the culmination of a lifelong pursuit. It was his first Derby win in 11 tries and capped off a remarkable 24-hour stretch, having won the Kentucky Oaks the previous day. His parents were in attendance to witness the ride.

“I get to ride it almost every year, but to get to win it, it’s just special,” Ortiz said. “I just wish my grandpa was here, but I know he’s looking from heaven. Just very happy that I get my goal, my life dream goal achieved.”

A Depleted Field

The road to the 152nd Derby was marred by late scratches, leaving only 18 horses to start. Great White became a dramatic late scratch on Saturday after flipping and throwing his jockey, leading track veterinarians to pull him from the race. The Puma was also ruled out less than 12 hours before post time due to a skin infection.

In total, five horses were scratched throughout the week, including Silent Tactic, Fulleffort, and Right to Party, which allowed longshots like third-place finisher Ocelli to enter the field.

The Road Ahead

As the first leg of the vaunted Triple Crown concludes, all eyes now turn to the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. With a historic trainer and a resilient underdog leading the charge, the racing world waits to see if Golden Tempo can become the first Triple Crown winner since Justify in 2018.