Jose Ortiz pulled Golden Tempo from the back of the pack at the final turn and swept past Renegade to win the 152nd Kentucky Derby by a very small margin on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Renegade went in as the pre-race favorite, but Ortiz and Golden Tempo timed the move that mattered most.
The victory gave Ortiz the Kentucky Derby after he had already won the Kentucky Oaks aboard Always a Runner, making for a coveted double on the sport’s biggest weekend. After the race, Ortiz said, “Es un sueño hecho realidad,” and added, “Ganar el doblete es muy difícil.”
The result also put Cherie Devaux in the record book. Golden Tempo became the first Kentucky Derby winner trained by a woman, a milestone that landed in the opening race of the American Triple Crown and changed the shape of this year’s Derby before the crowd had left Churchill Downs.
Ortiz said he was happy, called racing each year a blessing, and dedicated the moment to his parents, who were there with him. He also said he wished his grandfather could have been there, but believed he would be happy in heaven. The rider said he was grateful to have reached the dream and told children to stay positive, learn English, learn something every day, work hard, be responsible and respect people.
The narrow finish over Renegade ended a Derby built around a handful of familiar names, including Commandment and Further Ado, but it was Golden Tempo who handled the late pressure best. Last year’s Derby was won by Sovereignty with Junior Alvarado aboard, but Saturday belonged to Ortiz, who delivered the move that decided the race when the field turned for home.
The question now is not whether Ortiz could handle the moment. He already did. What this result leaves behind is a landmark for Devaux and a Derby that will be remembered as the day the first female trainer won the Run for the Roses.