WHO IS CHERIE DEVAUX: Biography and career highlights of Cherie DeVaux, the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner (2026).
The thunderous roar of over 100,000 fans at Churchill Downs yesterday was not just for a horse, but for a historic shift in the sport of kings. Cherie DeVaux, a 44-year-old trainer based in Kentucky, became the first woman in history to saddle a Kentucky Derby winner when her colt, Golden Tempo, surged from the back of the pack to claim the roses in a thrilling upset.
DeVaux’s victory marks a watershed moment for Thoroughbred racing, coming just eight years after she established her independent stable. While the sport has seen 17 women saddle horses in the Derby before her, DeVaux is the first to reach the winner’s circle, cementing her status as one of the elite conditioners in the modern era.
A Pedigree of Perseverance
Born on December 2, 1981, in Saratoga Springs, New York, DeVaux was raised in a family deeply rooted in the racing world. Her father, Butch DeVaux, and her brother, Jimmy, were both involved in the harness racing circuit, providing her with an early education in equine care.
Though she initially pursued pre-med studies in college, the pull of the track proved irresistible. She began her professional journey at the ground level, working as a hot walker and exercise rider before taking on high-stakes responsibilities as an assistant trainer.
The “Master Apprentice” Phase
Before “hanging out her own shingle” in 2018, DeVaux spent over a decade honing her craft under two prominent mentors:
- Chuck Simon: She spent five years working in his stable, learning the fundamentals of Thoroughbred management.
- Chad Brown: DeVaux spent nearly eight years as a top assistant to the Eclipse Award-winning trainer. During this time, she was instrumental in the career of Lady Eli, a champion filly who famously returned to racing after a life-threatening bout of laminitis.
In May 2018, she launched her own operation with just eight horses. Her first career win as a lead trainer came in 2019 at Gulfstream Park with a horse named Travelling.
Golden Tempo and the 2026 Breakthrough
The 2026 Kentucky Derby was DeVaux’s first attempt at the “Run for the Roses” as a head trainer. Her horse, Golden Tempo, a son of dual Horse of the Year Curlin, entered the race under the radar at 23-1 odds after finishing third in the Louisiana Derby.
Under a masterful ride by jockey Jose Ortiz, Golden Tempo executed a classic come-from-behind victory, overtaking the favourite, Renegade, in the final strides to finish the 1 1/4-mile race in 2:02.27.
“I’m glad I can be a representative of all women everywhere—that we can do anything we set our minds to,” DeVaux stated in an emotional post-race interview.
Notable Horses and Career Stats
Beyond her Derby triumph, DeVaux has built a powerhouse stable that earned a career-best $10.2 million in 2024 and saw continued dominance through 2025. Her training resume includes several elite athletes.
- More Than Looks: Winner of the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1).
- She Feels Pretty: Named the 2025 American National Champion Female Turf Horse after multiple Grade 1 victories.
- Vahva: A standout Grade 1 winner who secured major victories in the Derby City Distaff and Chicago Stakes.
Personal Life and Industry Collaboration
DeVaux is married to prominent bloodstock agent David Ingordo, known for discovering superstars like Zenyatta. The couple often collaborates on racing ventures, including Belladonna Racing, a partnership that selects and conditions promising fillies.
DeVaux is also a stepmother to Reagan Ingordo. In a signature touch of personal dedication, DeVaux has named several horses in her stepdaughter’s honor, including the Grade 1-performing four-year-old Reagan’s Honor.
