Cherie DeVaux Makes History with Dual Triple Crown Victories

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - Cherie DeVaux is garnering significant attention after her stellar performance in this year's Triple Crown races, where her horse, Golden Tempo, clinched victories at both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. DeVaux etched her name in history by becoming the first female trainer to triumph in the Kentucky Derby during its 152nd running at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2026.

Her remarkable achievement highlights not only her exceptional skills but also the growing recognition of women in horse racing. “The last five or six weeks have been a bit overwhelming,” DeVaux admitted. Since obtaining her trainer’s license in 2018, she has experienced immense success, but balancing newfound fame with the demands of the sport has posed challenges. “It has been a very humbling experience, but it has also been very exhausting,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of hard work and focus amidst the chaos.

DeVaux’s journey to the winner’s circle began when she saddled Golden Tempo, marking her as the nineteenth female trainer to participate in the prestigious Derby. Previously, the best finish for a female trainer was a second-place result in 1992. Reflecting on her historic win, DeVaux stated, “I understand the significance of being the first female trainer to win, but I think it is way more important that I am batting 1.000 in two Triple Crown races.” She aims to be recognized as one of the top trainers in the sport, beyond just the female category.

Since launching her independent training career, DeVaux has secured over 300 wins, including 30 stakes races and a Breeders Cup Mile victory with More Than Looks in 2024. Her success with Golden Tempo has been particularly rewarding, as she transformed him from a horse with potential into a formidable competitor in the three-year-old division. “The development of Golden Tempo into a Kentucky Derby and Belmont champion has been one of the greatest experiences of my professional life,” she expressed, highlighting the unexpected yet thrilling journey they undertook together.

As the horse racing community celebrates her achievements, DeVaux hopes her success will inspire more women to enter the field and continue breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport.