The 2026 Kentucky Derby concluded with a shocking historical breakthrough. The underdog horse Gold Tempo, with odds of twenty-three to one, surged from the back of the pack on the final stretch and narrowly defeated the favorite horse Renegade, earning trainer Cheri Devaux the first female championship title in the 152-year history of this horse racing event. The finish occurred in a scene full of symbolic significance—Jose Ortiz, riding Gold Tempo, overtook his brother Irad Ortiz, who was riding Renegade, on the outside, with the brothers crossing the finish line almost simultaneously, ultimately determining the winner by a slight margin. Devaux expressed relief after the race that she no longer had to answer questions about whether a woman could win the Derby, a statement that won the applause and cheers of over one hundred thousand spectators.
A Classic Comeback from the Outside Underdog
The path to victory for Gold Tempo followed a nearly scripted dramatic rhythm. The horse spent most of the race at the back of the pack, only beginning to advance from the outside lane as they entered the final bend. As the last sixteenth of a mile before the finish line approached, Devaux felt she might win, and then briefly lost consciousness. The final time was recorded at two minutes two seconds twenty-seven, with the winning horse returning forty-eight dollars twenty-four cents. Devaux's calm throughout the race stemmed from her familiarity with the horse's running style—it was consistent with its past performances. Jose Ortiz, after several attempts, finally won his first Derby, calling it the most dream-fulfilling goal of his life, only regretting that his grandfather could not witness it.
From Horseman to History Maker
Devaux's career began twenty-two years ago when she was just a curious apprentice jockey. Eight years ago, she opened her own stable, gradually ascending to the highest stage of this sport. She candidly admitted that she never imagined sitting at a champion's press conference early in her career. Devaux and Jenna Antonucci became the only two female trainers to win a Triple Crown event. When asked about the significance of this achievement, she shifted the conversation to a broader symbolic meaning—being a role model for other women and little girls, telling them to dream big.
Devaux's philosophy on horse racing has always been consistent: everything revolves around the horse. Regarding whether Gold Tempo will participate in the second leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes on May 16, Devaux clearly stated that it would depend on the horse's physical condition. As long as the horse remains in top form, she will consider the race, but if it appears not at its peak, she will adjust plans immediately. She acknowledged the inherent difficulty in winning the Triple Crown but also pointed out that contemporary horse racing has proven that with the right horse, this feat is still achievable.
PASA Official Website continues to track milestones and industry figures in global sports events, noting Devaux's breakthrough not only refreshed a long-standing record but also opened a symbolic door in a sport long dominated by men for a new generation of practitioners.
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