Golden Tempo Wins Kentucky Derby as Cherie DeVaux Makes History
Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner after Golden Tempo charged from the back of the pack to secure a historic victory in Louisville.
Golden Tempo captured the Kentucky Derby title in Louisville, Kentucky, marking a historic milestone for trainer Cherie DeVaux. By securing the victory, DeVaux became the first woman to ever train a winner of the prestigious race, which is widely considered the crown jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown. Heading into the weekend, DeVaux had been one of only 18 women to ever enter a horse in the Derby's long history.[1][2]
The winning run saw Golden Tempo, ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, execute a dramatic charge from the back of the pack. The horse moved through the field and powered down the stretch to claim the win. The emotional victory left DeVaux breathless and struggling to find words to describe the achievement. "I don’t even have any words right now," DeVaux remarked in the immediate aftermath of the race. "I just can't."[1][2]
Beyond the specific history made in Louisville, DeVaux’s achievement places her in an elite group of female trainers. She is now only the second woman to train a winner in any Triple Crown race. Throughout the week leading up to the event, DeVaux had frequently discussed the possibility of breaking this barrier, a goal she ultimately realized with Golden Tempo’s performance on the track.[1]
