Cherie DeVaux made history as the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby with her horse Golden Tempo. Jockey Jose Ortiz rode the winning horse in the prestigious race.
Key points
Cherie DeVaux is the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby
Golden Tempo won the Kentucky Derby on Saturday
Jose Ortiz was the jockey for Golden Tempo
DeVaux expressed happiness and pride for women in her post-race comments
Mentioned in this story
Cherie DeVauxJose Ortiz
Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby when her Golden Tempo won the Run for the Roses Saturday. Jose Ortiz was the jockey.
During comments right after the race, DeVaux was overwhelmingly happy.
"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.
2026 Kentucky Derby Golden Tempo getting bathed after working at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The 30-1 horse is trained by Cherie DeVaux. April 27, 2026.
2026 Kentucky Derby Golden Tempo getting bathed after working at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The 30-1 horse is trained by Cherie DeVaux. April 27, 2026.
About Cherie DeVaux:
Born in the Saratoga Springs, N.Y. area, with a family background in Standardbred racing.
2026 Kentucky Derby trainer Cherie DeVaux working April 27, 2026 on the backside of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. She has Golden Tempo in the 152nd Kentucky Derby May 2, 2026.
2026 Kentucky Derby trainer Cherie DeVaux working April 27, 2026 on the backside of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. She has Golden Tempo in the 152nd Kentucky Derby May 2, 2026.
Spent six years working for trainer Chuck Simon and eight years as an assistant to trainer Chad Brown.
Obtained her trainer's license in 2018, sending out her first winner in March 2019.
Best previous horses include 2024 Breeders' Cup Mile winner More Than Looks, G1 winner Vahva, and 2025 Eclipse Award Champion Turf Female She Feels Pretty.
Q&A
Who is Cherie DeVaux and what is her significance in horse racing?
Cherie DeVaux is a horse trainer who became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, marking a significant milestone for women in horse racing.
What horse did Cherie DeVaux train to win the Kentucky Derby?
Cherie DeVaux trained Golden Tempo, who won the Kentucky Derby.
Who was the jockey for Golden Tempo in the Kentucky Derby?
Jose Ortiz was the jockey for Golden Tempo during the Kentucky Derby.
What did Cherie DeVaux say after winning the Kentucky Derby?
After the race, Cherie DeVaux expressed her joy and emphasized her role as a representative for women, stating that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
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Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026. Stephanie Diaz and Laurie Spedaliere, both of Beachwood, enjoy the afternoon at the park.
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026. Tim Bernardino and Stephanie Pereira, both of Long. Branch, watch a race.
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026. A group of ladies donning fancy hats pose for a photo.
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026. Jeff Jones of Millstone and Dawn dressed for the occasion.
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026. Cheryl and Chris Lebold and Tiffany and Chip Vagnoni, all of Cinnaminson, enjoy the afternoon at the track.
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026. Tracy and Lou Matino, Donna Aslanian and Paul Stalknecht, all of Manasquan enjoy the afternoon at the track.
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026. Kathy DiMario of Toms River and Judy Mullins of Monroe enjoy the afternoon at the track.
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026.
1 / 12
Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park (Photos)
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026. Stephanie Diaz and Laurie Spedaliere, both of Beachwood, enjoy the afternoon at the park.
1 / 12
Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park (Photos)
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026. Stephanie Diaz and Laurie Spedaliere, both of Beachwood, enjoy the afternoon at the park.
2 / 12
Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park (Photos)
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026. Tim Bernardino and Stephanie Pereira, both of Long. Branch, watch a race.
3 / 12
Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park (Photos)
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026. A group of ladies donning fancy hats pose for a photo.
4 / 12
Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park (Photos)
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026.
5 / 12
Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park (Photos)
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026. Jeff Jones of Millstone and Dawn dressed for the occasion.
6 / 12
Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park (Photos)
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026.
7 / 12
Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park (Photos)
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026. Cheryl and Chris Lebold and Tiffany and Chip Vagnoni, all of Cinnaminson, enjoy the afternoon at the track.
8 / 12
Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park (Photos)
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026.
9 / 12
Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park (Photos)
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026. Tracy and Lou Matino, Donna Aslanian and Paul Stalknecht, all of Manasquan enjoy the afternoon at the track.
10 / 12
Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park (Photos)
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026.
11 / 12
Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park (Photos)
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026. Kathy DiMario of Toms River and Judy Mullins of Monroe enjoy the afternoon at the track.
12 / 12
Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park (Photos)
Horse racing fans gather at Monmouth Park for Kentucky Derby Day at Monmouth Park's First Turn Pavilion and Caesars Sportsbook in Oceanport, New Jersey, Saturday, May 2, 2026.
