Golden Tempo, a trainer, wins the Kentucky Derby; History is made by DeVaux
Golden Tempo surged from the rear of the field to claim victory in the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, marking a historic achievement for trainer Cherie DeVaux as she became the first woman to train the winner of America’s most renowned horse race.
Sent off at 24-1, Golden Tempo broke slowly under Jose Ortiz and trailed the 18-horse field before navigating through traffic and launching a late charge from the outside to secure the “Run for the Roses” by a neck on a brisk day in Louisville.
Renegade, the 5-1 co-favorite ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., finished in second place, while the 70-1 longshot Ocelli secured third in front of a crowd of 150,415.
DeVaux, almost at a loss for words after achieving a historic milestone, expressed her hope that the victory would have an impact that extends beyond the realm of racing.
“I’m at a loss for words at the moment,” DeVaux expressed in a post-race interview.
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to represent women everywhere.” “We can achieve anything we focus on,” she remarked. “I’m truly delighted for Golden Tempo and Jose, who executed a brilliant strategy to bring him back, considering how far behind he was.” He has placed an immense amount of trust in this horse.
DeVaux expressed that she remained calm when Golden Tempo was trailing early, confident in her three-year-old bay colt’s ability to make a comeback. “That’s his running style,” she stated during a press conference. “We didn’t change our approach; he has performed this way in his earlier races. “As we approached the 3/16 pole, I felt we were likely to secure the win.” “I sort of blacked out after that,” she remarked with a laugh.
ORTIZ TRIUMPHANT OVER BROTHER
Ortiz, who secured his first Kentucky Derby victory, had to chase down his older brother Irad in the final stretch after Renegade made a late push, having navigated early congestion from the rail.
“This is a realization of my dreams.” This is the most significant race in the world for me. “I feel truly fortunate,” Ortiz expressed.
Ortiz felt a surge of emotion as he reminisced about his victory with his parents present.
“I have the opportunity to ride it almost every year, but winning it with my mom and dad here makes it incredibly special,” he said, tears streaming down his face.
“I long for my grandpa’s presence, yet I find comfort in knowing he is watching over me from heaven, proud of my accomplishments as I reach my life’s goal.”
Ortiz expressed that his brother ought to feel proud of Renegade’s performance, even in the face of defeat. “I understand it is his dream too, but things unfolded as they did, and I believe he should find joy in that,” he remarked. “His horse ran an excellent race; it’s truly a remarkable horse.” It was my day, Golden Tempo’s day, and I feel joy for Cherie and the ownership.
Irad Ortiz Jr. expressed his admiration for the determination shown by the Todd Pletcher-trained Renegade. “We got squeezed at the start.” “We arrived late, but the winner simply got the advantage over me,” he remarked.
UNFORGETTABLE WEEKEND
The victory marked a memorable weekend for Jose Ortiz, who also secured the Kentucky Oaks aboard Always a Runner on Friday. “Achieving the double is quite challenging,” he remarked after becoming the ninth rider to win both races in the same year.
There was some lighthearted banter in the jockey room today, with remarks that ten individuals had accomplished it; it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility. I’m truly delighted.
The triumph brought in $3.1 million for Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable’s Golden Tempo, the Kentucky-bred son of Curlin.
Golden Tempo paid $48.24, $19.14, and $11.90. Renegade finished with returns of $7.14 and $5.46, while Ocelli paid $36.34 to show under the guidance of Tyler Gaffalione.
The Kentucky Derby serves as the inaugural leg of the Triple Crown in U.S. thoroughbred racing. The Preakness Stakes is scheduled for May 16, followed by the conclusion of the series with the Belmont Stakes on June 6.
