History was made at the Kentucky Derby earlier this month when Cherrie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the prestigious race, guiding longshot Golden Tempo to a dramatic come-from-behind victory that captivated the racing world.
The improbable triumph began inauspiciously. As the gates opened, Golden Tempo immediately fell to last place, a position that seemed to validate the horse's 23-1 odds. The thoroughbred had been battling a heel condition leading up to the race and drew the disadvantageous 19th post position on the far outside of the starting gate.
Jockey Jose Ortiz, seeking his first Derby victory after ten previous attempts, faced a daunting challenge. Heading into the final turn, Golden Tempo remained in last place with 17 other horses ahead. The situation appeared hopeless for DeVaux, who watched anxiously from the rails.
Then the remarkable happened. Golden Tempo began its charge.
Racing lanes opened as the horse entered the final stretch, and Ortiz expertly guided his mount up the outside. One by one, Golden Tempo passed competitors in a breathtaking display of acceleration and stamina.
"What a tremendous kick by Golden Tempo," NBC announcer Jerry Bailey exclaimed during the broadcast. "That's a lot of ground to make up in the stretch of the Kentucky Derby!"
As the field thundered toward the finish line, Renegade, the betting favorite, held the lead. But Golden Tempo continued surging, ultimately winning by a nose as the crowd erupted in celebration of one of the most thrilling finishes in Derby history.
"I'm just so, so happy," DeVaux told NBC immediately after the race. "Jose did a masterful job at getting him there. He was so far out of it, and he had so much faith in this horse….I'm glad I can be representative of women everywhere. We can do anything we set our minds to."
DeVaux's journey to this historic moment spans more than two decades in the horse racing industry. Growing up in New York as one of ten siblings—seven brothers and two sisters—she credits her large family for instilling the toughness necessary to succeed in the demanding sport. She began her career as an exercise rider and worked her way through the ranks before becoming a stable owner eight years ago.
The victory represents a significant milestone for women in thoroughbred racing. Before DeVaux's triumph, only one female trainer had ever won a Triple Crown race: Jena Antonucci captured the Belmont Stakes in 2023. DeVaux's Kentucky Derby victory—arguably the most prestigious of the three Triple Crown races—further breaks down barriers in the male-dominated sport.
"It really is an honor to be able to be that person for other women or other little girls to look up to," DeVaux told the Associated Press. "You can dream big, and you can pivot. You can come from one place and make yourself a part of history."
The win validates DeVaux's patience and faith in Golden Tempo despite the horse's injury concerns and long odds. Her willingness to enter the Derby with a horse that few believed could compete, combined with Ortiz's masterful ride and the thoroughbred's extraordinary closing speed, produced a moment that will be remembered as a turning point for women in horse racing.
As Golden Tempo crossed the finish line first, DeVaux did not merely win a race—she opened doors and inspired countless young women who dream of making their mark in the sport of kings.