2026 Kentucky Derby Results: Golden Tempo Wins in Historic First for Female Trainer

Michelle Kitz
Screenshot of the finish of the 152nd Kentucky Derby 2026, Churchill Downs, KY, Golden Tempo, Renegade, Ocelli

The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby ran May 2, 2026, in its famous home of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The first race of the world-renowned Triple Crown is easily the most anticipated horse race of the year. The weather was fantastic for the race, with great visibility, a fast track, and over 150,000 live spectators.

Before the horses could even step on the track, there were some shake-ups. The Puma scratched due to a swollen leg less than 12 hours before the race, too late to add a replacement from other eligible horses, leaving the field at 19 instead of the maximum of 20 horses. Renegade was the favorite at the start of the day with 4-1 odds, but betting throughout the day shifted that, too.

A Bit of Surprise Excitement

Screenshot of Great White and jockey Alex Achard taking a fall before the Kentucky Derby 2026
Screenshot of Great White and jockey Alex Achard taking a fall before the Kentucky Derby 2026, Courtesy of Michelle Kitz via Peacock

As the horses were loading into the gate, one horse, Great White, couldn’t handle the excitement of the situation. Overwhelmed by the number of horses, the crowd, or the tension, he suddenly reared up before loading. He flipped over on his back, and luckily, jockey Alex Achard was able to fall out of the way so that the horse didn’t land on him. For the health of both horse and rider, they were scratched.

A Thrilling Finish!

Screenshot of jockey Jose Ortiz being interviewed after his Kentucky Derby win with Golden Tempo
Screenshot of jockey Jose Ortiz being interviewed after his Kentucky Derby win with Golden Tempo, Courtesy of Michelle Kitz, Via Peacock

Renegade, with jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr, may have been one of the favorites to win, but in the end, it was 23-1 odds Golden Tempo with Jose Ortiz in the saddle, who crossed the finish line first with a time of 2:02.27.

To capture that win, he had to move from his place in the back of the pack, around the outside, and move ahead of every other horse in the race. I can say that it was one of the most thrilling races I’ve seen. The excitement is infectious as 18 horses thunder around the track, and the crowd roars in response to the sudden speed put on by those coming from behind.

The jockey brothers were both hoping for a first Derby win, and it was the underdog who took the crown. Golden Tempo and Jose Ortiz gave us the kind of race we all love to see. Renegade came in just a neck behind, and Ocelli, with jockey Joseph Ramos, rounded out the winners.

First Female Trainer To Win the Kentucky Derby

Screenshot of Golden Tempo's trainer, Cherie Devaux after their Kentucky Derby win
Screenshot of interview with Cherie Devaux, trainer of Golden Tempo, and first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, Courtesy of Michelle Kitz via Peacock

Golden Tempo’s win gave fans of the Kentucky Derby a series of firsts. Jockey Jose Ortiz had his first Derby win, but this was also the first Derby win for a female trainer. Cerie Devaux’s excitement was obvious when the horse she trained crossed that finish line first. And she’s only the second female trainer to have any Triple Crown win Jena Antonucci won the Belmont in 2023 with Arcangelo.

What An Amazing Race!

Screenshot of the final results of the 152nd Kentucky Derby 2026
Screenshot of the final results of the 152nd Kentucky Derby, Courtesy of Michelle Kitz, via Peacock

Congratulations to the owners, trainers, and jockeys. This was an incredible race to watch and, though it’s over, there are still two Triple Crown Races to follow. The Preakness Stakes is next on May 16 and the Belmont on June 6. I’m looking forward to both, but I can’t imagine either will live up to the unexpected come-from-behind win of Golden Tempo.

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