Billionaire Pushes Away 12th Failed Attempt to Tend to Emotional Jockey at Kentucky Derby
Jockey Jose Ortiz riding Golden Tempo L is congratulated by his brother Irad Ortiz Jr. on Renegade as he wins the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky. Renegade finished second and 70-1 long shot Ocelli ridden by jockey Joseph Ramos placed third.
PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUSA KYP20260502919 PATxBENIC ©IMAGO/UPI Photo After Golden Tempo won the 152nd Kentucky Derby and trainer Cherie DeVaux made history as the first woman to win the race, the celebrations were loud on one side of the track. However, on the other side, the mood was very different. The pre-race favorite Renegade, owned by Mike Repole, finished second and missed out on the $3.
1 million prize. Still, it was never just about the money. Instead, Repole was left emotional for the 33-year-old jockey, who once again missed the Derby moment.
Just after the finish, Repole, co-founder of Glaceau and worth an estimated $1. 6 to $2. 5 billion, was visibly emotional after what marked his 12th Kentucky Derby attempt, ending in disappointment.
Even then, he stepped in to console the jockey. Looking back on the moment, he said, “I’m actually more upset that Irad lost than I am for me. That kid rode his ass off.