Golden Tempo #19, ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, crosses the end line to win the 152nd operating of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Could 02, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky.
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Golden Tempo stormed from the very again of the pack to triumph within the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, giving coach Cherie DeVaux a landmark victory as the primary lady to saddle the winner of America’s most well-known horse race.
Despatched off at 24-1, Golden Tempo broke slowly underneath Jose Ortiz and trailed the 18-horse discipline earlier than threading via site visitors and unleashing a late cost to say the “Run for the Roses” on a quick observe in cool, cloudy situations in Louisville.
Renegade, the 5-1 co-favorite ridden by Ortiz’s brother Irad Ortiz Jr., completed second, whereas 70-1 longshot Ocelli was third in entrance of a crowd of 150,415.
DeVaux, almost speechless after making historical past, stated she hoped the victory would resonate past racing.
“I do not even have any phrases proper now,” DeVaux stated in a post-race interview.
“I am glad that I might be a consultant of all ladies all over the place. We are able to do something we set our minds to,” she stated.
“I am simply so comfortable for Golden Tempo and Jose, who did a masterful job at getting him there, as a result of he was thus far out of it. He has had a lot religion on this horse.”
DeVaux stated she didn’t panic when Golden Tempo was nicely again early, saying she was assured her three-year-old colt might shut.
“I used to be extra targeted on the tempo that was in entrance of him,” she stated.
Ortiz outduels brother
Ortiz, who gained the Kentucky Derby for the primary time, needed to run down his older brother Irad within the stretch after Renegade additionally launched a late bid, following early site visitors from the rail.
“It is a dream come true. That is the largest race on the earth for me. I am blessed,” Ortiz stated.
Ortiz grew to become emotional as he mirrored on successful along with his mother and father in attendance.
“I get to experience it nearly yearly however to get to win it with my mother and my dad right here, it is very particular,” he stated as tears started to stream down his face.
“I simply want my grandpa was right here however I do know he’s wanting down from heaven and is comfortable to see my obtain my life’s aim.”
Ortiz stated his brother ought to take pleasure in Renegade’s efficiency regardless of the defeat.
“I do know it’s his dream as nicely, however it occurred that approach and I believe he must be comfortable,” he stated.
“His horse ran an excellent race, it is a very good horse. Nevertheless it was my day, Golden Tempo’s day and I am comfortable for Cherie and for the possession.”
The victory capped a memorable weekend for Jose Ortiz, who additionally gained the Kentucky Oaks aboard All the time a Runner on Friday.
“To get the double may be very laborious,” he stated.
“They have been joking contained in the room right this moment that 10 guys had accomplished it, it isn’t not possible. I am simply very comfortable.”
The Kentucky Derby is the opening leg of U.S. thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown. The Preakness Stakes is subsequent up on Could 16 earlier than the collection concludes with the Belmont Stakes on June 6.
