Golden Tempo surged from the rear of the field to win the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, marking a historic milestone as trainer Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to saddle a winner in America’s most prestigious horse race.

Ridden by Jose Ortiz, Golden Tempo, a 24-1 long shot, started slowly but navigated through the 18-horse pack to deliver a powerful late surge on a fast track under cool, cloudy conditions in Louisville. The colt outran the competition, finishing ahead of 5-1 co-favorite Renegade, ridden by Ortiz’s older brother, Irad Ortiz Jr., who secured second place. The 70-1 long shot Ocelli completed the top three in front of a crowd of 150,415 spectators.

DeVaux expressed elation and a sense of broader significance following the victory. “I’m glad that I could be a representative of all women everywhere. We can do anything we set our minds to,” she said, emphasizing her confidence in Golden Tempo’s closing ability despite the colt trailing early in the race. “I was more focused on the pace that was in front of him,” DeVaux added.

For Jose Ortiz, this marked his first Kentucky Derby win and capped a remarkable weekend after also capturing victory in the Kentucky Oaks aboard Always a Runner on Friday. Reflecting on the win, Ortiz described the achievement as a lifelong dream fulfilled. “This is the biggest race in the world for me. I’m blessed,” he said, becoming emotional as he acknowledged the presence of his parents at the event. He also paid tribute to his late grandfather, noting, “I just wish my grandpa was here but I know he is looking down from heaven and is happy to see me achieve my life’s goal.”

Despite falling short at the finish line, Irad Ortiz Jr. was magnanimous in defeat and praised Renegade’s effort. “I know it is his dream as well,” he said of Jose Ortiz. “His horse ran a very good race, it’s a very nice horse. But it was my day, Golden Tempo’s day and I’m happy for Cherie and for the ownership.”

The Kentucky Derby serves as the first leg of the U.S. thoroughbred racing Triple Crown series. The next event, the Preakness Stakes, is scheduled for May 16, followed by the Belmont Stakes on June 6.