Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby after her horse, Golden Tempo, won the race Saturday [1, 2].

The victory breaks a long-standing gender barrier in one of the most prestigious events in American sports. By securing the win, DeVaux enters the history books of horse racing as the first woman to lead a winner in the Derby's storied past [3, 4].

The historic win occurred during the 152nd running of the event [1] at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky [1, 4]. Golden Tempo secured the victory by coming from the back of the pack to overtake the competition in the final stretch [3, 5].

DeVaux focused on her professional identity rather than the novelty of the gender milestone following the race. "I consider myself a horse trainer, and I just happen to be female," DeVaux said [1].

The 2026 race [6] highlighted a shift in the sport's competitive landscape. While the Kentucky Derby has seen many champions over its century-long history, the trainer's circle had remained exclusively male until this weekend [3].

Golden Tempo's performance was characterized by a late-race surge that surprised spectators and competitors alike [5]. The victory marks a career peak for DeVaux, who has worked to establish herself in the high-stakes environment of Thoroughbred racing [2, 4].

“Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby.”

This victory represents a significant cultural shift in the horse racing industry, where the highest levels of training have historically been dominated by men. By winning the 152nd Kentucky Derby, DeVaux provides a blueprint for other female trainers to achieve success at the Triple Crown level, potentially encouraging more diverse ownership and training partnerships in the U.S. racing circuit.