Cherie DeVaux shattered horse racing history today by becoming the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, thanks to a breathtaking comeback victory by her colt, Golden Tempo. Facing a field of 18 horses at Churchill Downs, Golden Tempo was last for much of the race but surged with an explosive late charge to win by a neck, defying recent trends that closers struggle to come from behind on this iconic track.
The win instantly turned DeVaux’s years of dedication and hard work into one of the sport’s most unforgettable moments. Speaking after the race, DeVaux said she was still processing the surreal nature of the victory, describing it as an emotional crescendo shaped by Golden Tempo’s signature closing style.
“I saw him starting to pick horses off at the top of the stretch. That’s usually when he makes his run,” DeVaux recalled, capturing the thrilling final moments that sealed the upset.
Golden Tempo’s performance stunned fans and experts alike, especially as the colt spent much of the early and middle parts of the race trailing the pack. His late surge defied the odds, overcoming the typical disadvantage closers face at Churchill Downs due to its unique track layout.
This victory marks a major milestone in horse racing history as DeVaux becomes the first female trainer to claim the Derby title, a status that has typically eluded women in the male-dominated sport. Her accomplishment not only highlights her training acumen but also signals a shifting dynamic in one of America’s most storied traditions.
For Ohio readers and racing fans across the US, DeVaux’s triumph offers a compelling example of resilience and breakthrough achievement. The Derby remains a pivotal event watched nationwide, and this fresh chapter—featuring a trailblazing female trainer—adds new energy and inspiration to the sport.
Experts caution that Golden Tempo’s unique closing style, combined with DeVaux’s strategic race preparation, might change how trainers approach this year’s racing season, especially on tracks with similar challenges to Churchill Downs.
Looking ahead, DeVaux and Golden Tempo will be closely watched as they prepare for upcoming major races. With this historic win under their belt, all eyes are on whether they can maintain momentum and continue defying expectations.
The Kentucky Derby is often called “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” and today it lived up to that nickname with a stunning upset and a milestone breakthrough for women in horse racing.
