What's happened
Golden Tempo has rallied from last place to win the 2026 Kentucky Derby, making Cherie DeVaux the first woman owner to win the Run for the Roses. The horse defeated Renegade in a dramatic stretch. DeVaux may pursue the Preakness if Golden Tempo runs in Baltimore.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- Golden Tempo’s late surge demonstrates that long odds can translate into a historic result, challenging the notion that the Derby is a predictable showcase for established stables.
- Cherie DeVaux’s victory marks a turning point in ownership diversity, potentially encouraging more women to pursue ownership and management roles in horse racing.
- The race outcome could influence future Derby lineups, with trainers and owners reassessing strategies to optimize late-riring performances.
- If DeVaux considers the Preakness, Golden Tempo’s form and stable support will be critical, as the race demands different pacing and tactics from the Derby.
How we got here
The Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs has long been dominated by male ownership and training. Prior to this year, only a handful of women had owned Derby runners, with Jena Antonucci breaking a barrier in 2023 by winning with Arcangelo. This year Cherie DeVaux has achieved a historic milestone as Golden Tempo surged from the back of the field to win at 25-1 odds, reshaping perceptions of women in the sport.
Our analysis
Sources show Cherie DeVaux’s historic ownership win, with AP noting broader participation by women in racing behind the scenes, while NY Post highlights the victory’s significance for female ownership. The AP piece also documents the broader context of women in Derby involvement and the potential for future entries in subsequent Triple Crown races.
Go deeper
- Will Golden Tempo enter the Preakness and how might the horse adapt to a different track?
- How might DeVaux’s win influence sponsorship or ownership opportunities for women in horse racing?
- Which other horses could benefit from this victory’s visibility in upcoming races?
More on these topics
-
Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is a horse race held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, United States, almost always on the first Saturday in May, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival.