Golden Tempo won the 152nd Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky [1, 5].
The victory marks a historic milestone for the sport as trainer Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Derby [4].
Golden Tempo entered the race as a significant underdog with winning odds of 23-1 [1]. Despite the long odds, the horse surged in the final stretch to secure the win [6]. The race took place at the historic Churchill Downs track, where the field of contenders competed for the Triple Crown race [1, 5].
DeVaux's achievement breaks a long-standing gender barrier in one of the most prestigious events in U.S. sports. The 152nd edition of the race [1] saw a dramatic finish that favored the long shot over the more established contenders.
Churchill Downs officials and spectators witnessed the horse's late-race acceleration, which shifted the momentum of the event. The result provides a rare instance where a high-odds contender outperformed the favorites in the final seconds of the race [6].
“Golden Tempo, a 23-1 long shot, won the 152nd Kentucky Derby.”
The victory of Golden Tempo and Cherie DeVaux represents a dual disruption of the status quo at the Kentucky Derby. By overcoming 23-1 odds, the win highlights the inherent unpredictability of the race, while DeVaux's historic first for female trainers signals a shift in the professional landscape of elite horse racing training.
