Golden Tempo charged from the back of the pack to capture the 152nd Kentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs, covering 1¼ miles in 2:02.27 and paying $48.24 as a 23-1 longshot. The victory marked a historic milestone for trainer Cherie DeVaux, the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner after 18 previous starts by female trainers without a victory.

Jockey Jose Ortiz guided Golden Tempo from last place in the 20-horse field to edge Renegade at the wire in a sibling showdown against Irad Ortiz Jr., who rode the runner-up. Ocelli finished third, followed by Chief Wallabee in fourth and Danon Bourbon in fifth. The top eight also included Incredibolt, Commandment, and Wonder Dean. A fast early pace set by Six Speed, with splits of 22.68, 46.44, and 1:10.90, set up the dramatic finish as Danon Bourbon took command in the stretch before fading.

The win earned Golden Tempo's connections $3.1 million from the $5 million purse, boosting the horse's career earnings significantly. Owned as a homebred by Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable, the Curlin colt improved to a 5-3-0-2 record. He previously won the Lecomte Stakes (G3) and placed third in the Risen Star (G2) and Louisiana Derby (G2).

DeVaux called Golden Tempo a "dead closer" who thrived in the Louisiana Derby, solidifying confidence in his closing kick. "We had to have faith in the process, faith in the horse, faith in Jose," she said. "I’m so proud of this horse." She added that being the first female trainer to win felt like an honor for aspiring women in racing: "You can dream big, and you can pivot. You can come from one place and make yourself a part of history."

Ortiz, securing his first Derby victory, described it as a dream come true in front of his family. Golden Tempo became the first Derby winner sired by Curlin, a Hall of Famer who is also the grandsire of Renegade and Ocelli.

Several scratches preceded the race, including Great White at the gate, The Puma on Saturday morning, and earlier withdrawals of Silent Tactic, Fulleffort, Right to Party, and Corona de Oro. The triumph positions Golden Tempo as a contender for the Triple Crown, with the Preakness Stakes next on May 16 at Pimlico Race Course.