Shattering the Barn Ceiling: Cherie DeVaux Becomes First Female Trainer to Win the Kentucky Derby

For Cherie DeVaux, winning the 152nd Kentucky Derby wasn't just a professional milestone—it was the fulfillment of a "vision board" she created on New Year's Day. On that board sat a picture of the garland of roses, a goal that seemed lofty to many but inevitable to the self-described "Type A" trainer. Following Golden Tempo’s historic victory, DeVaux has officially become the first female trainer to ever win the "Run for the Roses."

The weight of the accomplishment is underscored by the lopsided history of the event. In the 152-year history of the Kentucky Derby, a total of 2,053 horses have made it to the starting gates. Out of those thousands of entries, only 18 women had ever saddled a horse before DeVaux. While three fillies (female horses) have won the race in the past, the training ranks have remained an "old-boy network" until this year.

DeVaux, a New York native who grew up in a "Brady Bunch" family of 10 children, was raised on the backside of the track. Her father was a harness driver and trainer, and several of her siblings followed into the industry. Despite the male-dominated environment, DeVaux says her family never suggested there were limits to what she could achieve. She worked her way up as an exercise rider and assistant trainer for industry giants like Chad Brown before launching her own barn in 2018.

Success didn't come instantly; DeVaux went her first 11 months without a win. However, her reputation for meticulous strategy and perfectionism eventually paid off. By 2026, she had 86 horses in her care and a growing reputation as a "horse whisperer" who used unconventional methods—including bringing in a goat named Mickey to soothe an anxious horse—to get results.

For the Derby, DeVaux meticulously plotted Golden Tempo’s path, choosing the Louisiana Derby specifically to give the horse maturity and a six-week training gap. On race day, her strategy proved perfect. As Golden Tempo surged in the stretch under jockey Jose Ortiz, DeVaux watched her January vision board manifest into reality. While she is weary of the "female trainer" tag and prefers to be judged solely on merit, her victory stands as a landmark moment of equality for the sport.

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