SouthernWorldwide.com – Cherie DeVaux etched her name in racing history on Saturday as the first female trainer to guide a horse to victory in the prestigious Kentucky Derby. Her charge, Golden Tempo, made a dramatic late surge, coming from the back of the pack to clinch the win in the 152nd running of the iconic event.
DeVaux’s triumph places her in an elite group, as only the second woman to train a winner of any Triple Crown race. This significant achievement follows Jena Antonucci’s victory with Arcangelo in the 2023 Belmont Stakes. The Derby win marks a remarkable milestone for DeVaux, who established her own stable just eight years ago.
Under the skilled guidance of jockey Jose Ortiz, and in front of a roaring crowd exceeding 100,000 spectators at Churchill Downs, Golden Tempo overtook the favored Renegade in the final strides. The 1 1/4-mile race concluded in 2 minutes and 2.27 seconds, with Golden Tempo achieving victory at odds of 23-1. Renegade, with Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard, secured second place, while the long shot Ocelli finished third.
“I don’t even have any words right now,” DeVaux expressed, overwhelmed with emotion. “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.”
Throughout the week, DeVaux had navigated the growing narrative around her potential to become the first woman to train a Derby winner. While initially downplaying the significance, she eventually embraced the role model status she now embodies for aspiring young women in the sport. Her presence in the Derby, with Golden Tempo, marks her as just the 18th woman to saddle a horse in this historic race.
“I’m glad I can be a representative of all women everywhere that we can do anything we set our minds do,” DeVaux stated, highlighting the broader impact of her success.
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The total purse for this year’s Kentucky Derby stood at $5 million, with the victorious owner receiving $3.1 million. Typically, owners claim 80% of the winnings, while the jockey and trainer share the remaining 20%, according to CBS Sports.
Ortiz showcased the exceptional riding talent that has defined his recent success at Churchill Downs, securing his first Kentucky Derby victory on his 11th attempt. This triumph came less than 24 hours after he also won the Kentucky Oaks, the premier race for three-year-old fillies.
His parents were present to witness Ortiz’s incredible performance. “I get to ride it almost every year, but to get to win it, it’s just special,” Ortiz shared. “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.”
The Kentucky Derby proceeded with a field of 18 horses. Great White was a late scratch after an incident where the horse flipped and dislodged its jockey. Track veterinarians made the decision to withdraw the long shot, who had entered the field on Wednesday after Silent Tactic was ruled out due to a foot injury. The Puma was also withdrawn less than 12 hours before post time due to a swollen leg caused by a skin infection.
Great White’s withdrawal marked the fifth horse scratched during the week and the second on Saturday. Silent Tactic was ruled out on Wednesday, Fulleffort on Thursday, and Right to Party on Friday. Great White, Ocelli, and Robusta were subsequently added to the field.
The Kentucky Derby serves as the initial leg of the coveted Triple Crown, which also includes the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. The most recent Triple Crown winner was Justify in 2018.
