Kentucky Derby Makes TV Ratings History With 2026 Race

The 2026 Kentucky Derby officially made TV ratings history on Saturday.

The legendary race at Churchill Downs came down to the finish on Saturday. Golden Tempo, who entered the race as a mid-tier favorite, took home the win. The thoroughbred horse bested out the pre-race favorite, Renegade.

It was a special finish for many involved. Golden Tempo had a female trainer, Cherie DeVaux, who became the first woman in history to win the Kentucky Derby. Meanwhile, two brothers - the jockeys for Golden Tempo and Renegade - finished in first and second place, respectively.

The TV ratings backed it up, too.

The 2026 Kentucky Derby became the most-watched race in the history of the event on Saturday.

The race averaged 19.6 million viewers on NBC - the most in the history of the race.

DeVaux, who made history, didn't really see it as male vs. female - she was just trying to do her best.

"I don't really look at it as male versus female," DeVaux told LEX18. "I just try to do the best I can, but in the back of my mind, just to be a strong role model."

DeVaux wanted to make history, though.

"The only thing I want to do in my career is be the first female to win a Kentucky Derby," she told LEX18. "This is our first Derby starter, and we're one step closer."

She had some advice for everyone, too.

"Don't be afraid to put yourself out there," DeVaux told LEX18. "You have to be willing to fail to be able to succeed."

Copyright The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published May 3, 2026 at 5:52 PM.