152nd Kentucky Derby was extended family celebration

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. And it's been such a pleasure to watch. They're both extraordinary human beings. They are hard workers.

"And I watched Jose develop, and we've done a lot together. But just to know him from the very beginning to now, it's a complete honor and I'm so proud of you."

Jose Ortiz said his loyalty always was to DeVaux because "she has been very loyal to me, so I feel like I should give that back. And I knew always Golden Tempo was going to be my mount."

Jose Ortiz tipped his hat to his brother, but the day's family mood did not extend to a whole lot of angst about relegating him to second.

"I wasn't expecting it, but I was like, I could see it happening. I didn't know he was going to be second, you know? It's cool for him, to run second. Hopefully, he gets the opportunity to win it one day," Jose Ortiz said.

"Today is not that day," DeVaux quickly inserted. "It wasn't today," Jose Ortiz said, provoking laughter from those assembled after the race.