Cherie DeVaux becomes first female trainer to win Kentucky Derby
TL;DR
Cherie DeVaux made history as the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2026, with her horse Golden Tempo. The victory marked a significant milestone for women in horse racing.
Key points
- Cherie DeVaux is the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby.
- Golden Tempo won the race on May 2, 2026.
- The victory was achieved with 23-1 odds.
- Jockey Jose Ortiz won his first Kentucky Derby with this race.
- Only 18 Derby starters have been trained by women in history.
Mentioned in this story
Cherie DeVaux made history as the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner on May 2, when Golden Tempo authored a thrilling come-from-behind victory in the 152nd Run for the Roses.
DeVaux, 44, watched the race trackside wearing a bright red blazer and with tears in her eyes. She sounded breahtless when she was interviewed by NBC and asked what the win meant to her.
"I honestly don't know, I'm just glad I could be a representative of all women everywhere that we can do anything we set our minds to," DeVaux said.
Golden Tempo won as a longshot at 23-1 odds. It was the first Kentucky Derby win for jockey Jose Ortiz, who guided Golden Tempo through a furious charge down the backstretch to cross the wire in 2:02.27.
Only 18 starters in Derby history have been trained by women. Before DeVaux, the closest a woman had come to the winner's circle was Shelley Riley, who finished second with Casual Lies in 1992.
Derby Day has arrived, and "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" will be here and gone before you know it. See the best moments from the race.
Aboard T O Elvis, jockey Ryusei Sakai celebrates winning The Churchill Downs Grade I stakes at 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, May 2, 2026.
Horses break from the starting gate in the first race of the day during the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
Jacob Skillman from Louisville yells in excitement while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Haywire, ridden by Luan Machado, Sister Jean, ridden by Jaime A Torres, and Butterfly Jasmine, ridden by Brian J Hernandez take off out of the gate for the first race of the 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Horses take off from the starting gate for the first race ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Lynn and Spencer Webster from Charlotte watch the first race on the card ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
People cheer in the infield as Time to Strike, ridden by John Velazquez, and Powershift, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., head down the back stretch at the 152nd Kentucky Derby in Louisville on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Kelly Green of Louisville had a unique fascinator made by Hat Haven that surrounded her face while she attended the 2026 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. May 2, 2026.
Antonio Grassa laughs with his friends ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Brecken Erickson and Maci Cox embrace after Erickson proposes in the infield during the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2026.
A DJ spins tunes to the infield crowd during the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2026.
People cheer during the 91st running of The Churchill Downs on 2026 Kentucky Derby day at Churchill Downs. May 2, 2026.
Jockey Flavien Prat aboard, Stark Contrast celebrate after winning the 35th running of The American Turf at the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. on May 2, 2026.
Horses cross the finish line ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 — See the best photos from Churchill Downs
Derby Day has arrived, and "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" will be here and gone before you know it. See the best moments from the race.
Aboard T O Elvis, jockey Ryusei Sakai celebrates winning The Churchill Downs Grade I stakes at 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, May 2, 2026.
1 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 — See the best photos from Churchill Downs
Derby Day has arrived, and "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" will be here and gone before you know it. See the best moments from the race.
Aboard T O Elvis, jockey Ryusei Sakai celebrates winning The Churchill Downs Grade I stakes at 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, May 2, 2026.
2 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 — See the best photos from Churchill Downs
Horses break from the starting gate in the first race of the day during the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
3 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 — See the best photos from Churchill Downs
Jacob Skillman from Louisville yells in excitement while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
4 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 — See the best photos from Churchill Downs
Haywire, ridden by Luan Machado, Sister Jean, ridden by Jaime A Torres, and Butterfly Jasmine, ridden by Brian J Hernandez take off out of the gate for the first race of the 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 1, 2026.
5 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 — See the best photos from Churchill Downs
Horses take off from the starting gate for the first race ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
6 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 — See the best photos from Churchill Downs
Lynn and Spencer Webster from Charlotte watch the first race on the card ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
7 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 — See the best photos from Churchill Downs
People cheer in the infield as Time to Strike, ridden by John Velazquez, and Powershift, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., head down the back stretch at the 152nd Kentucky Derby in Louisville on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
8 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 — See the best photos from Churchill Downs
Kelly Green of Louisville had a unique fascinator made by Hat Haven that surrounded her face while she attended the 2026 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. May 2, 2026.
9 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 — See the best photos from Churchill Downs
Antonio Grassa laughs with his friends ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
10 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 — See the best photos from Churchill Downs
Brecken Erickson and Maci Cox embrace after Erickson proposes in the infield during the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2026.
11 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 — See the best photos from Churchill Downs
A DJ spins tunes to the infield crowd during the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2026.
12 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 — See the best photos from Churchill Downs
People cheer during the 91st running of The Churchill Downs on 2026 Kentucky Derby day at Churchill Downs. May 2, 2026.
13 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 — See the best photos from Churchill Downs
Jockey Flavien Prat aboard, Stark Contrast celebrate after winning the 35th running of The American Turf at the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. on May 2, 2026.
14 / 14
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby 2026 — See the best photos from Churchill Downs
Horses cross the finish line ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Golden Tempo trainer Cherie DeVaux first female trainer to win Kentucky Derby
Q&A
Who is Cherie DeVaux and what did she achieve at the Kentucky Derby?
Cherie DeVaux is the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, achieving this milestone with her horse Golden Tempo on May 2, 2026.
What were the odds for Golden Tempo in the Kentucky Derby?
Golden Tempo won the Kentucky Derby as a longshot at 23-1 odds.
How did Golden Tempo perform in the race?
Golden Tempo executed a thrilling come-from-behind victory, finishing the race in 2:02.27.
What does Cherie DeVaux's win signify for women in horse racing?
DeVaux's win represents a significant breakthrough for women in horse racing, showcasing that they can achieve top-level success in the sport.
