Cherie DeVaux Becomes First Female Trainer to Win Kentucky Derby
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Cherie DeVaux made history by becoming the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner. Her horse, Golden Tempo, ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, won the 152nd running of the race on Saturday. The event drew a record television audience, with a peak of 24.4 million viewers.
Facts First
- Cherie DeVaux is the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner, a milestone in the sport's history.
- Golden Tempo, ridden by Jose Ortiz, won the 152nd Kentucky Derby at odds of 23-1.
- The live broadcast set a record, peaking at 24.4 million viewers across NBC and Peacock.
- Jockey Jose Ortiz secured a dramatic win over his brother, Irad Ortiz Jr., who finished second on Renegade.
- NBC's coverage of the Triple Crown continues with the Preakness Stakes on May 15.
What Happened
Cherie DeVaux trained Golden Tempo to victory in the 152nd Kentucky Derby, becoming the first woman to train a winner of the race. Jockey Jose Ortiz rode Golden Tempo to a win by a neck over his brother, Irad Ortiz Jr., aboard Renegade. The horse, which started at 23-1 odds, moved from the back of the pack to the front during the final stretch. The race was witnessed by a record average live audience of 19.6 million viewers.
Why this Matters to You
This historic win may signal a broader shift in the traditionally male-dominated sport of horse racing, potentially opening doors for more women in prominent training and ownership roles. For viewers, the record-breaking audience suggests major sporting events continue to be a powerful shared cultural experience.
What's Next
The focus of the horse racing world now shifts to the second leg of the Triple Crown. NBC Sports' coverage continues on May 15 with the 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park in Maryland. Golden Tempo's performance there will determine if a bid for the Triple Crown remains possible.