SLIDESHOW: A Sensational, Unforgettable Spring Weekend for the 2026 Kentucky Derby

Events / Travel
Golden Tempo, Cherie DeVaux, Jose Ortiz, Kentucky Derby, Always a Runner, Kentucky Oaks, Churchill Downs, horse racing, America's Best Racing, ABR
Cherie DeVaux embraces Jose Ortiz after he guided Golden Tempo to victory in the 2026 Kentucky Derby, making DeVaux the first woman to train the winner of the famed run for the roses. (Eclipse Sportswire)

The biggest week on the North American horse racing calendar Kentucky Derby week in Louisville, Ky. The 152nd  running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks for 3-year-old fillies was the marquee race on Driday, May 1, 2026, and the race was held for the first time in prime time on NBC. The first Saturday in May is, of course, all about the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, and the festivities Saturday, May 2, at Churchill Downs did not disappoint. Thankfully, the rain held off this year leading to a crisp and unforgettable spring weekend. Eclipse Sportswire was there to capture the imagery of a magical weekend undefr the Twin Spires, including trainer Cherie DeVaux becoming the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner when Golden Tempo edged Renegade in the final strides.

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