Things to know about Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Cherie DeVaux

Cherie DeVaux made horse racing history on Saturday, becoming the first female trainer to send out a Kentucky Derby winner.

DeVaux's Golden Tempo went off at 23-1 and was last in the early stages of the race. He launched a powerful run and engulfed the field, surging past Renegade late.

“The only thing I want to do in my career is be the first female to win a Kentucky Derby,” she told LEX18. “This is our first Derby starter, and we’re one step closer.”

And Golden Tempo delivered that step in the Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs.

Things to know about Cherie DeVaux.

This is awesome…Cherie Devaux cheering the horse down the stretch

🎥 @ABRLivepic.twitter.com/siD8qTeGr0— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) May 2, 2026

Cherie DeVaux

She was born on Dec. 2, 1981. Her family was involved in standarbred, harness racing. A brother, Jimmy, has more than 5,000 wins as a driver-trainer.

Cherie DeVaux

After studying pre-med in college, DeVaux gravitated toward the Thoroughbred world when she became a stable worker for the late trainer Chuck Simon at Saratoga. She spent six years working for Simon before transferring to trainer Chad Brown’s operation, where she became an assistant.

Cherie DeVaux

She obtained her trainer’s license in 2018 and sent out her first winner in March 2019.

Cherie DeVaux

DeVaux is married to bloodstock agent David Ingordo. Her younger sister Adrianne began training in September 2024. Adrianne worked for Cherie for four years.

Cherie DeVaux

DeVaux has North American career earnings exceed $30 million with 272 wins through late last year.

Cherie DeVaux

After the race, she had more than 4,000 followers on Instagram and was following more than 1,500.

Cherie DeVaux

Only 18 starters in Derby history have been trained by women. Before DeVaux, the closest a woman had come to the winner's circle was Shelley Riley, who finished second with Casual Lies in 1992.

This article originally appeared on The List Wire: Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner