Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2026 [1].
The victory marks a historic breakthrough for gender equality in horse racing, breaking a long-standing barrier at one of the sport's most prestigious events.
DeVaux led the horse Golden Tempo [3] to victory at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky [4]. The winning horse was ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz [5]. The event, known as the Run for the Roses, concluded with DeVaux securing a milestone that had previously eluded every woman in the trainer's circle [1].
Following the race, DeVaux spoke about the broader implications of the win for women in athletics. "Women can do anything we set our minds to," DeVaux said [6].
Reports regarding the victory highlight the multifaceted nature of the achievement. While several sources confirm she is the first female trainer to win the race [1], other reports indicate she is also the first female owner to achieve a victory in the Run for the Roses [7].
DeVaux described the moment as a personal and professional peak. "It’s an amazing feeling to be the first woman trainer to win the Run for the Roses," DeVaux said [8].
The win at Churchill Downs serves as a visible shift in the landscape of U.S. horse racing, a sport traditionally dominated by men in leadership and training roles [4].
“Women can do anything we set our minds to.”
This victory represents a significant shift in the professional hierarchy of American thoroughbred racing. By winning the Kentucky Derby, DeVaux has transitioned from a trailblazer to a benchmark for female trainers, potentially opening more doors for women to secure high-profile owners and elite horses in a historically male-dominated industry.
