Golden Tempo Wins Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes; Trainer Cherie DeVaux Makes History

Golden Tempo Makes History: Kentucky Derby & Belmont Stakes Double

In a landmark year for thoroughbred racing, Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, then doubled the record by capturing the Belmont Stakes—cementing her name as a pioneer in the sport.

Section 1: Kentucky Derby (May 2, 2026)

The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby was held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs. Golden Tempo, ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz and trained by Cherie DeVaux, won the race. DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby.

• Odds & Distance: Golden Tempo won at odds of 23-1 (some sources reported 24-1). The race distance was 1 1/8 miles (some sources reported 1.25 miles).
• Winning Time: 2 minutes 2.27 seconds.
• The Comeback: Golden Tempo broke slowly and was at the back of the field with half a mile remaining. The horse passed 11 horses in the stretch and finished a neck ahead of Renegade.
• Finish Order: Renegade (ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr.) finished second. Ocelli finished third.
• Field & Scratches: The race had 18 starters following several scratches. Great White was scratched on race day after flipping and throwing his jockey. Other scratches included Silent Tactic, Fulleffort, Right to Party, and The Puma.
• Attendance: Reported as 150,415 (one source noted a crowd exceeding 100,000).

• Trainer Cherie DeVaux: DeVaux obtained her training license in 2018 (one source states 2017) and earned her first win in 2019 on her 29th start. As of before the Derby, she had over 300 victories, including 21 in 2026. She is the 18th woman to saddle a horse in the Kentucky Derby. DeVaux is the second female trainer to win a Triple Crown race, following Jena Antonucci (Arcangelo, 2023 Belmont Stakes). DeVaux is the daughter and granddaughter of horse trainers. She previously worked under Chuck Simons and Chad Brown. She studied pre-med in college before leaving to pursue racing.
• Jockey Jose Ortiz: Ortiz won his first Derby in his 11th attempt. He had won the Kentucky Oaks the previous day, becoming the ninth jockey to win both races in the same year.
• Co-owner: Vinnie Viola was listed as a co-owner.

Section 2: Belmont Stakes (June 6, 2026)

The 158th running of the Belmont Stakes was held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. This was the third consecutive year the race was held at Saratoga while Belmont Park undergoes demolition and rebuilding. The race distance was 1 1/4 miles (shortened from the usual 1 1/2 miles due to the configuration of the Saratoga track).

• Golden Tempo won the race 5 weeks after the Kentucky Derby. The horse did not run in the Preakness Stakes.
• Margin of Victory: Golden Tempo finished 1 1/4 lengths ahead of Commandment. Renegade placed third.
• Winning Time: 2:03.49.
• Odds: Golden Tempo entered with odds reported as 9-2 (one source reported 6-1). The horse paid $14 for a $2 win ticket.
• Jockey: Jose Ortiz rode Golden Tempo to victory. This was Ortiz's second Belmont win (his first was in 2017).
• Trainer: Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to win two Triple Crown races.

Section 3: Key Statements

Trainer Cherie DeVaux: "It is an honor to be that person for other women or other little girls to look up to." She credited her husband for encouraging her to start training. "I started my career here 22 years ago as a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed exercise rider and I would not believe that I would be sitting up here today."

Jockey Jose Ortiz, on his brother Irad finishing second: "I think he should be happy, his horse ran a very good race." He added, "I just wish my grandpa was here, but I know he's looking from heaven."

Co-owner Vinnie Viola dedicated the Belmont Stakes win to late friend Dominic DiPrisco.