Jockey Jose L Ortiz celebrates a come from behind win after riding Golden Tempo (19) in the 152nd Kentucky Derby horse race Churchill Downs Sat May 2, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Jessica Kwong

Golden Tempo rallied from last place to win the 2026 Kentucky Derby on Saturday, surging past the field in the final strides to edge favorite Renegade at Churchill Downs Saturday.

Trained by Cherie DeVaux and ridden by Jose Ortiz, Golden Tempo went off at 23-1 and trailed the field entering the final turn after an unhurried start. A fast early pace, set by multiple front-runners, created the conditions for a late charge.

“There was a lot of speed on paper, and it showed early,” said DeVaux. “When I saw Jose get into position around the final turn, I felt like we had a real chance.”

Ortiz kept Golden Tempo along the rail for much of the race, conserving ground before angling out in the stretch. As the leaders began to tire, Golden Tempo accelerated through traffic and closed rapidly on Renegade, who had taken command at the top of the stretch.

“I knew my horse was a deep closer, so I didn’t want to be involved early,” said Ortiz. “I stayed inside, saved ground, and just waited for a chance late. With that kind of pace, I thought we’d have a shot.”

Golden Tempo drew even with Renegade in the final yards and edged ahead at the wire, winning by a nose. The official time for the mile and a quarter was 2:02.27.

“It’s a dream come true,” Ortiz said after his first Kentucky Derby victory.

Ocelli, a 70-1 longshot, finished third after tracking mid-pack for much of the race.

DeVaux said the closing stages were difficult to fully process as they unfolded.

“I don’t even have any words right now. I just can’t,” she said. “Jose did a masterful job getting him there. He was so far out of it.”

Asked afterward about becoming the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner, DeVaux deflected.

“I’m just glad I don’t have to answer that question anymore,” she said.

The upset result led to sizable payouts. Golden Tempo returned $48.24 to win, while Renegade paid $7.14 to place and Ocelli returned $36.34 to show. The $2 exacta paid $278.86.

Focus now shifts to the next race in the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 16, where Golden Tempo will try to build on its late-running Derby win against a fresh and potentially reshuffled field.

Kentucky Derby 2026 finishing order:
1st: Golden Tempo
2nd: Renegade
3rd: Ocelli
4th: Silver Comet