Cherie DeVaux Makes History as First Female Trainer to Win Kentucky Derby with Golden Tempo
Cherie DeVaux etched her name in sports history on Saturday, May 2, 2026, when her longshot colt Golden Tempo stormed from last place to win the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The 44-year-old trainer became the first woman ever to saddle the winner of the most prestigious horse race in the United States, shattering a barrier that had stood for over 150 years.
Cherie DeVaux and Golden Tempo Pull Off a 23-1 Upset
Golden Tempo went off at 23-1 odds and found itself in last place entering the final turns, only to sweep past a tight pack in the stretch run and win by a nose over favorite Renegade. The winning time was 2:02.27.
After three-quarters of a mile, Golden Tempo sat dead last — 19th out of 19 horses in the field. But when the time came to make history, the colt kicked into gear, weaved through the field, and overtook Renegade in the final moments of the race, winning officially by a neck.
How Cherie DeVaux Became the First Female Trainer to Win the Kentucky Derby
Prior to Saturday's running, only 17 female trainers had ever had a horse reach the Derby, and none had ever won. Cherie DeVaux, 44, became the first, bettering Shelley Riley's runner-up finish with Casual Lies in 1992.
DeVaux was nearly speechless after the victory. "I'm just so, so happy for Golden Tempo," she said. "Jose did a wonderful job, a masterful job at getting him there. He was so far out of it, and he has had so much faith in this horse."
Cherie DeVaux's Background and Career Path
Cherie DeVaux was born on December 2, 1981, in Saratoga Springs, New York, and raised in Florida. She has nine siblings — seven brothers and two sisters. She previously worked as an assistant trainer for Chuck Simon and Chad Brown before launching her own training program in 2018 with eight horses.
DeVaux studied pre-med in college but never went down the path of becoming a doctor. She began her career in stable roles such as a hot walker and exercise rider before advancing to become a trainer. Her first win as a lead trainer came in 2019 at Gulfstream Park.
Cherie DeVaux's Husband, Family, and Personal Life
Cherie DeVaux is married to Thoroughbred bloodstock agent David Ingordo. DeVaux has one stepdaughter, Reagan Ingordo, and has named several horses after her, including four-year-old Reagan's Honor.
After the race, DeVaux celebrated with her husband, sister, daughter, and nephew by her side, shedding plenty of tears of joy. She held her young nephew Maverick while addressing reporters on the broadcast.
Golden Tempo's Owners — Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable
Golden Tempo is a homebred for Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable. He is the first Kentucky Derby winner sired by Hall of Famer Curlin.
DeVaux trained the bay-colored colt for Phipps Stable, owned by Daisy Phipps Pulito, and St. Elias Stable, owned by Vincent Viola. Golden Tempo paid $48.24 to win.
Will Golden Tempo Run the Preakness 2026?
The question now for Cherie DeVaux and the Golden Tempo team centers on whether the colt will run in the Preakness Stakes. DeVaux said the horse will make the decision for the team. "We're gonna let him decide that. We're gonna see how he looks tomorrow... because the horse is first, we're not here for ourselves and not here for our egos. We're here for the horse."
The Preakness Stakes is scheduled for May 16 in Baltimore. DeVaux has not committed Golden Tempo to the race, leaving the door open for a potential Triple Crown bid depending on how the colt recovers.
