In a stunning upset at Churchill Downs, Golden Tempo, a 24-1 longshot, charged from last place to win the 152nd Kentucky Derby by a neck, making trainer Cherie DeVaux the first woman to saddle the winner of America's most famous horse race.

Under jockey Jose Ortiz, Golden Tempo broke slowly and trailed the 18-horse field before weaving through traffic and launching a late outside rally to capture the "Run for the Roses" on a brisk day in Louisville, Kentucky. Renegade (5-1 co-favorite) finished second, and Ocelli (70-1) was third before a crowd of 150,415.

DeVaux, 44, from Saratoga Springs, New York, grew up around horses and obtained her training license in 2018. She earned her first win in 2019 on just her 29th start and has since amassed over 300 victories, including 21 in 2026 before the Derby.

The emotional DeVaux burst into tears and celebrated with her family. She joined Jena Antonucci as the second woman to train a Triple Crown race winner and was only the 18th woman to saddle a horse in the Derby's 152-year history. "It's an honor to be that person for other women and little girls to look up to," she said.

DeVaux credited her husband for encouraging her to pursue training when she was at a career crossroads in 2017. "I didn't believe," she admitted. "Never in my life did I think I would be sitting up here today." She hopes the victory resonates beyond racing, saying, "We can do anything we set our minds to."

The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown. The Preakness Stakes follows on May 16, and the Belmont Stakes on June 6. The race typically features 20 horses but had 18 this year after two scratches earlier in the week.

Source: www.aljazeera.com