Kentucky Derby 2026: Golden Tempo Wins as Cherie DeVaux Makes History

The Kentucky Derby 2026 delivered one of the most historic moments in horse racing on Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Golden Tempo, a stunning chestnut colt trained by Cherie DeVaux, crossed the finish line first in the 152nd running of the Run for the Roses, etching both horse and trainer into the record books forever. With a time that had the packed grandstands roaring, this was a Derby that transcended the sport itself and became a landmark occasion for women in professional horse racing.

Cherie DeVaux Shatters the Glass Ceiling at Churchill Downs

In a sport steeped in tradition spanning more than a century and a half, Cherie DeVaux accomplished what no woman had done before. By saddling Golden Tempo to victory, DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby in its 152-year history. The moment Golden Tempo surged past the competition in the final stretch, DeVaux was visibly emotional in the trainer’s box, tears streaming down her face as the crowd erupted around her. Her journey to this pinnacle had been years in the making, having built a reputation as one of the sharpest trainers in the game with a string of graded stakes victories leading up to Derby Day.

DeVaux grew up around horses and learned the business from the ground up, working as a groom and exercise rider before eventually earning her trainer’s license. Her meticulous preparation of Golden Tempo throughout the spring had horse racing insiders buzzing with anticipation, but few mainstream pundits gave her the attention she deserved heading into the first Saturday in May. That all changed when Golden Tempo powered to the front in the final furlong and never looked back, delivering a performance that silenced every doubter.

The race itself was a thrilling affair from start to finish. Golden Tempo broke cleanly from post position eight and settled into a stalking position through the first half-mile. As the field of 20 horses thundered around the far turn, jockey Luis Saez angled Golden Tempo to the outside and began his devastating move. By the time they straightened for home, Golden Tempo was in full flight. Renegade, the early pace-setter, fought valiantly to hold on and finished second, while the filly Ocelli made a late charge to grab third, adding another historic footnote to a Derby already overflowing with them. The final order was decisive: Golden Tempo won by two and a quarter lengths, with Renegade holding second by a neck over Ocelli. The winning time was a fast 2:01.88 over the mile-and-a-quarter distance, reflecting the honest pace throughout.

Beyond the racing action, the Kentucky Derby is always a spectacle of celebrity fashion and high society, and the 2026 edition did not disappoint. The Millionaires Row section at Churchill Downs was packed with A-listers who came dressed to impress. Nicole Scherzinger turned heads in a dramatic floral ensemble paired with an oversized statement hat that was quintessentially Derby. The Pussycat Dolls singer and theater star looked absolutely radiant as she cheered from the premium seating area, stopping frequently for photos with fans and fellow celebrities alike.

Neil Patrick Harris and his husband David Burtka were spotted in the paddock area wearing coordinated pastel suits that perfectly captured the Derby’s preppy aesthetic. The beloved couple has been regulars at major sporting events and clearly enjoyed the unique atmosphere that only Churchill Downs can provide on the first Saturday in May. Nearby, former NFL star Rob Gronkowski and model Camille Kostek brought their signature energy to the festivities, with Gronk seen enthusiastically celebrating what appeared to be a winning bet on an earlier undercard race.

WNBA legend Sue Bird was another notable attendee, looking elegant in a navy blue dress and classic Derby hat. NFL linebacker Von Miller also made an appearance, sporting a bold custom suit and fedora combination that drew plenty of attention from photographers lining the red carpet entrance. Actress Melissa Joan Hart, known for her beloved roles in Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Melissa and Joey, was seen enjoying a mint julep while watching the races from a private box with friends.

Perhaps the most talked-about fashion moment of the entire day belonged to Dannielynn Birkhead, the daughter of the late Anna Nicole Smith. Now a young woman, Dannielynn has become a Derby regular alongside her father Larry Birkhead, but this year she made her most dramatic statement yet. She arrived in a goth-rock inspired outfit featuring a black lace dress with corseted details, chunky silver chain jewelry, and combat boots. The look was a striking departure from the pastel traditions of Derby fashion, and it instantly went viral on social media platforms. Fans praised her bold individuality and noted how she has grown into her own unique style identity, separate from but honoring the memory of her famous mother.

The extravagant hats that have become synonymous with the Kentucky Derby were on full display throughout the grounds. From enormous wide-brimmed creations adorned with fresh flowers and ostrich feathers to avant-garde sculptural pieces that seemed to defy gravity, the millinery traditions of Churchill Downs continued to evolve while honoring the event’s storied past. Fashion experts and commentators noted that this year’s trends leaned toward bolder colors and more dramatic proportions than in recent years, with oversized designs dominating the best-dressed lists.

The atmosphere at Churchill Downs was electric from the moment the gates opened at dawn. The iconic twin spires stood as silent sentinels over a crowd estimated at over 150,000, all gathered to witness what turned out to be one of the most memorable Derbies in living memory. From the emotional singing of My Old Kentucky Home to the garland of roses draped over Golden Tempo in the winner’s circle, every cherished tradition was observed and celebrated with gusto. As the sun set over Louisville and the last of the confetti settled on the track, Cherie DeVaux held the silver trophy aloft — a pioneer whose name will forever be linked to this transformative, barrier-breaking moment in the sport of kings.