Cherie DeVaux never planned on making racing history. Born in Saratoga Springs, New York, on December 2, 1981, she grew up around horses thanks to her family’s deep roots in Standardbred racing—her brother Jimmy has driven and trained thousands of winners. But as a young woman, DeVaux seemed headed in a completely different direction: pre-med studies in college, with dreams of becoming a doctor.
Cherie DeVaux Becomes First Female Trainer to Win Kentucky Derby with Golden Tempo
That all changed when she took a part-time job at the track to make extra money. What started as a simple gig walking and exercising horses quickly turned into a passion. She was a self-described “wild child” at the time, enjoying the lively social scene around the barns. Trainer Chuck Simon spotted her potential—and her need for direction—and took her under his wing, making her an assistant trainer almost by force. “Chuck saw I was going the wrong way,” DeVaux later recalled, “and he made me be an assistant trainer begrudgingly because I was really enjoying the party life.”
Cherie DeVaux makes history as first woman trainer to win Kentucky Derby with Golden Tempo
DeVaux spent six years honing her skills with Simon before joining the elite operation of Chad Brown, one of the top trainers in the country. There, she rose to become a key assistant, working with top horses and learning the business inside and out. In 2017, at a crossroads in her life, she bet on herself. She struck out on her own in the spring of 2018, launching her public stable from a base in Kentucky.
The gamble paid off faster than anyone expected. Her stable grew steadily, racking up wins and graded stakes victories. Highlights include training champions like She Feels Pretty and More Than Looks, who captured the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Mile. By 2026, DeVaux had established herself as a force in Thoroughbred racing, with career earnings topping $30 million.
Then came the unforgettable moment on May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs. Her longshot horse, Golden Tempo, at 23-1 odds, rallied from last place with a powerful stretch run to win the 152nd Kentucky Derby. In doing so, DeVaux became the first woman in the race’s 152-year history to train the winner. Jockey Jose Ortiz guided the horse to victory in a thrilling comeback that left the crowd roaring. DeVaux, overwhelmed in the winner’s circle, kissed the trophy and reflected on the journey with humility and pride.
Her story resonates far beyond the racetrack. From a party-loving premed student who found purpose in the barns to a trailblazing trainer standing in the Derby winner’s circle, Cherie DeVaux proves that betting on yourself can lead to extraordinary success. She’s not just breaking barriers—she’s inspiring the next generation to chase their own dreams in the sport she loves.