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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - APRIL 27: Renegade trains on the track during morning workouts ahead of the running of the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 27, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs came to a dramatic result when Golden Tempo was the first horse across the finish line.
Here are the biggest surprises and shocks from this year’s Kentucky Derby on Saturday May 2, 2026.
Great White Was Scratched On the Way to the Starting Gate
GettyLOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – APRIL 27: Horses train beneath the Twin Spires during morning workouts ahead of the running of the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 27, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Only 18 horses ended up racing in the 152nd Kentucky Derby after Great White stumbled on the way to the starting gate and the vets on site at Churchill Downs scratched the horse from the competition just moments before the derby commenced.
Golden Tempo’s Trainer, Cherie DeVaux, is the First Female Trainer to Win the Kentucky Derby
Amanda Vining Amanda Vining is a career journalist with over 20 years of experience covering news for digital publications. More about Amanda Vining