Cherie DeVaux, Jose Ortiz throw out first pitches at Yankees game
Trainer Cherie DeVaux and jockey Jose Ortiz threw out the first pitches at a New York Yankees game May 7. Ortiz's cousin has pitched for the Yankees.
Winning Kentucky Derby 152 trainer Cherie DeVaux joined Golden Tempo jockey Jose Ortiz in throwing out the ceremonial first pitches at a New York Yankees game May 7. Ortiz , who rode Golden Tempo to a first place finish in Derby 152, is the cousin of pitcher Elmer Rodriguez, who started two games for the Yankees before he was demoted to New York's Triple-A affiliate May 6. Ortiz's brother, Irad Ortiz Jr.
, finished second aboard Renegade in the 2026 Derby. DeVaux is the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, which dates back to 1875. She achieved the feat on her first attempt in the Run for the Roses.
The Yankees shared a video of DeVaux and Ortiz's pitches on social media. Rodriguez, who made his MLB debut April 29, previously told Yankees reporters he was more nervous watching his cousins in the Kentucky Derby than he was during his first start on the mound. When the race ended, Rodriguez said he cried.
Golden Tempo beat Renegade by a nose at the finish line for Derby 152. The Ortiz brothers led their thoroughbreds on late charges from the back of the field. Jose became the first of the Ortiz brothers to win the Derby.