152nd Kentucky Derby was extended family celebration
The 152nd Kentucky Derby goes into the books as the first won by a woman trainer, but equally could be noted as an extended family affair.
Trainer Cherie DeVaux (L) celebrates in the winner's circle at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. , on Saturday after her horse, Golden Tempo, won the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby. DeVaux is the first female trainer to win the race.
Photo by John Sommers II/UPI May 4 (UPI) -- The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby will go down in history as the first won by a woman trainer, but it could be remembered equally as a celebration of family. There was the stretch battle between the Ortiz brothers, both among the nation's top riders and both seeking the elusive Derby win. There was the Phipps family, carrying on a 100-year tradition of breeding and racing epitomized by iconic black silks and cherry-red cap.
And there was the feeling of family shared by trainer Cherie DeVaux, first with her own relatives as they watched Golden Tempo come from last of 18 to edge out Renegade, and then for the Phipps and their partners, the Violas of St. Elias Stables, and for the winning Ortiz, Jose. Jose Ortiz had been Golden Tempo's regular rider throughout his pre-Derby campaign, but DeVaux said she was afraid she might lose him to a favorite in the usual jockey carousel before the big race.
She even called his agent to plead for him to stay with her colt. "I have known Jose since he was a kid -- him and [brother Irad Ortiz Jr. ] since they were babies," DeVaux said.
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