Golden Tempo's Closing Rush Secures Historic Derby Victory
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Louisville, Ky. On Saturday at Churchill Downs, Golden Tempo surged from the back of the pack to win the 152nd Kentucky Derby, with jockey Jose Ortiz guiding the 23-1 long shot to a neck victory over Renegade and securing trainer Cherie DeVaux’s distinction as the first woman to train a Derby winner.
The immediate responses included celebratory postrace interviews from DeVaux and Ortiz and official race statistics showing early fractions of 22.68 seconds for the quarter-mile and 46.44 seconds for the half-mile; Ortiz had won the Kentucky Oaks the previous night, and racing officials posted final placings and odds late Saturday.
More context
Timeline
- 1. 1875: The Kentucky Derby is inaugurated, establishing the annual event.
- 2. 2018 (approx): Cherie DeVaux starts her own training stable (eight years before this Derby).
- 3. 2023: Jena Antonucci becomes the first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race (Belmont Stakes).
- 4. Friday (race week): Jose Ortiz wins the Kentucky Oaks aboard Always a Runner.
- 5. Saturday (Derby day): Golden Tempo wins the 152nd Kentucky Derby; DeVaux becomes the first female trainer to win the Derby.
Why it matters
Golden Tempo's historic win is a milestone for gender equality in sports. It's proof that women, like Cherie DeVaux, can excel in traditionally male-dominated fields. If you're a fan of horse racing, or equality, this is a victory worth celebrating.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
