A Record-Breaking Performance
The 152nd Kentucky Derby concluded with a historic milestone as Golden Tempo, ridden by Jose Ortiz, stormed to victory in an electrifying finish. The win marked a career-defining moment for trainer Cherie DeVaux, who became the first female trainer to ever capture the prestigious "Run for the Roses." With a final time of 2:02.27, DeVaux cemented her place in horse racing history.
The Race Dynamics
The race began with high intensity as Six Speed set a blistering early pace, recording a 46.44-second half-mile. As the field rounded the backstretch, Golden Tempo remained far behind the pack, positioning itself as a late-running contender. While horses like Denon Bourbon and the long-shot Oscelli fought for the lead, the race opened up in the final stretch.
«Golden Tempo was so far last down the backside, he couldn't count that far,» noted analysts during the broadcast, highlighting the horse's remarkable late-race surge.
Closing the Gap
As the leaders arrived at the final furlong, the race became a tactical battle. Renegade, who had overcome early traffic issues, surged forward, and Oscelli, a 70-to-1 long shot, appeared poised for an upset. However, Jose Ortiz navigated the outside lanes expertly, allowing Golden Tempo to close a massive gap of seven to eight lengths in the final straightaway.
- Winner: Golden Tempo
- Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
- Jockey: Jose Ortiz
- Finish Time: 2:02.27
A Family Affair and Historical Context
The race also highlighted a unique rivalry, with brothers Jose and Irad Ortiz finishing one-two. For Jose, this win marked his first Kentucky Derby victory in twelve attempts. The achievement by DeVaux stands as only the second time a female trainer has won a Triple Crown race, following Jenna Antonucci's Belmont Stakes victory three years prior. The combination of a perfectly set pace and a masterful tactical ride ensured that Golden Tempo’s historic charge will be remembered as one of the most exciting finishes in Derby history.