History Made at Churchill Downs: Cherie DeVaux Becomes First Woman to Train a Kentucky Derby Winner
The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby will be remembered not just for the thunder of hooves, but for a seismic shift in the history of horse racing. On Saturday, May 2, 2026, Golden Tempo, a resilient colt with a penchant for late-stretch heroics, crossed the finish line first at Churchill Downs. While the victory was a masterpiece of tactical riding by jockey Jose Ortiz, the true story of the day belonged to trainer Cherie DeVaux. By saddling the winner, DeVaux shattered a glass ceiling that had stood for 152 years, becoming the first woman in history to train a Kentucky Derby champion.
A Historic Milestone for Women in Horse Racing
For decades, the “Run for the Roses” remained one of the final bastions in sports where a female trainer had yet to stand in the winner’s circle. Cherie DeVaux, only the 18th woman to ever saddle a horse in the Derby, carried the weight of expectation throughout the week. When asked about the potential for history, she remained focused on her horse, though the magnitude of the moment was never lost on her.
Reflecting on her journey, DeVaux noted the impact she hopes to have on the next generation. “It really is an honor to be able to be that person for other women or other little girls to look up to,” she said. Her success places her in the elite company of Jena Antonucci, who made headlines in 2023 with Arcangelo, marking a new era of inclusivity and achievement in professional Thoroughbred racing.
The Race: How Golden Tempo Stole the Show
The 2026 Kentucky Derby was a chaotic affair, marked by a series of late scratches that whittled the field down to 18 contenders. When the gates finally opened, the tension at Churchill Downs was palpable. Golden Tempo, starting at 23-1 odds, spent much of the race biding his time. Known by his jockey as a “lazy” runner, the colt needed the perfect trip to find his stride.
Tactical Brilliance and the Final Stretch
Jockey Jose Ortiz, riding in his 11th Kentucky Derby, executed a masterclass in navigation. As the pack turned for home, Ortiz guided Golden Tempo through a crowded field, threading the needle past 17 rivals. In a dramatic conclusion, the pair overtook the morning-line favorite, Renegade—ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jose’s own brother—just yards before the wire.
The final time of 2:02.27 secured the $5 million purse and solidified the horse’s status as a top-tier contender for the remainder of the Triple Crown season. For Jose Ortiz, it was a career-defining win, fulfilling a life-long dream that he dedicated to his family and his late grandfather.
Overcoming Adversity: The Road to the Winner’s Circle
DeVaux’s victory was not just a matter of luck; it was the product of relentless diligence. Throughout the week leading up to the race, she faced intense scrutiny regarding the colt’s health, specifically concerns about his cracked heels. Rather than buckling under the pressure, she leaned into her experience as a former exercise rider—a role she began 22 years ago.
Patience and Pivot: DeVaux utilized innovative training techniques, including the application of blinkers, to sharpen the colt’s focus.
The “Horse First” Philosophy: When questioned about the upcoming Preakness Stakes, DeVaux refused to commit, stating that the horse’s well-being is the only priority.
- Toughness: Growing up in a large family with seven brothers and two sisters, DeVaux developed the resilience required to thrive in the high-stakes world of Kentucky Derby training.
The Challenges of the 152nd Kentucky Derby
The road to this year’s Derby was arguably one of the most turbulent in recent history. The field saw significant fluctuation due to health and injury concerns. Notable scratches included Silent Tactic, Fulleffort, Right to Party, and the late withdrawal of Great White, who caused a stir after flipping before the race. Despite these disruptions, the quality of the race remained high, with longshots like Ocelli—who entered the field at the eleventh hour—surprising the field to show at 70-1.
What’s Next for the Champion?
With the Run for the Roses now in the rearview mirror, the racing world turns its eyes to the Preakness Stakes on May 16. While fans are eager to see if Golden Tempo can maintain his momentum, DeVaux remains cautious. Her approach—prioritizing the horse over ego or industry pressure—is exactly what led her to this historic win. Whether or not Golden Tempo takes to the track in Baltimore, his place in history is already cemented.
Cherie DeVaux has proven that even in a sport steeped in tradition and dominated by long-standing figures, there is always room for a new voice. Her story is one of grit, determination, and the belief that with enough hard work, any dream—no matter how big—is within reach.